The European Union has added its voice to the US and Human Rights Watch (HRW) an international organization, to demand an independent investigation into the November 2016 Kasese-Rwenzururu massacre.
The development follows a report by HRW released this week, indicating that Ugandan military, UPDF committed atrocities when they did not warn people inside the Rwenzururu palace, leading to the death of innocent children and women.
The report released early this week calls for an immediate investigation to explain how over 100 people were killed by security forces who claim the royal guards attacked them first with machetes and spears.
However, government explained that there is no need to investigate since the military and police were responding to attacks by armed militias.
Now, in a statement dated March 16th, the EU calls on competent authorities to immediately conduct the necessary field investigation, ensuring strong witness protection and protection of evidence.
“We stand ready to support such efforts. We also not that the government considers the ongoing court case against the Omusinga to be the appropriate process for delivering justice. For justice to be impartial and complete, the conduct of the security forces during the raid on the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu Palace should also be subject to scrutiny, with their full cooperation” the document indicates.
The statement adds that failure to fully investigate this tragedy will perpetuate insecurity, undermine the rule of law and deny the families their right to know the truth. “As a strong partner to Uganda, we believe justice for victims on all sides is a prerequisite for peace and development” it added.
Government argues that on 26/11/16 using their Prime Minister’s Office as a Base, the militias carried out simultaneous attacks on police posts like at Hima, Bwera, Maliba, Mubuku, Buhuhira and Bugoye, killing 16 Police officers and made off with weapons.
It adds that on 27/11/16, security forces raided the Obusinga bwa Rwenzururu palace in Kasese, recovering a number of petrol bombs Machetes and Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu uniforms. Guns recovered from the palace were the same that had been earlier stolen.
Government argued that the HRW report released on Wednesday this week, ignores the death and casualties the militias inflicted on members of security forces and civilians. Government adds that the report further promotes violence in the region referring to machetes as "agricultural tools."
Government also confirmed on Wednesday that a total of 103 deaths were registered. Of these 91 were male and 12 female, while 16 were Uganda Police force officers.
