"We want the American taxpayer to know that the American taxpayer is funding this. The military equipment we are supplying to Uganda is being used in a war of terror against Uganda's citizens," lawyer Robert Amsterdam, see, https://uk.news.yahoo.com/u-suspend-military-aid-uganda-lawyer-critic-museveni-011442612--finance.html?guccounter=1
Uganda’s brutal treatment of MPs is enabled by global indifference
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/aug/25/uganda-torture-bobi-wine-human-rights-museveni-magnitsky-act
MPs including the Afropop musician Bobi Wine are allegedly being tortured by the Museveni regime. The Magnitsky Act can curb this shocking abuse
In a country with such a complex and often conflict-prone history, acts of political violence and intimidation are common enough to be unremarkable. But this past week in Uganda has been exceptional, as outrage spills out into the streets over the government’s brutal arrests of four members of parliament and dozens of their supporters. Among those arrested was the rising political star Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, a widely loved 36-year-old former Afropop musician popularly known as Bobi Wine. The state’s treatment of Wine, including credible allegations of torture, has prompted days of massive protests in the capital, Kampala, which have been violently suppressed by the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) with tear gas and live ammunition.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, has breezily dismissed the treatment of Wine, calling the whole affair “fake news”. How the international community responds to Uganda in this moment is crucial – and the ruling party is betting on short attention spans and crisis fatigue to move on to other concerns. But the next generation of Ugandans deserves a more serious international response, as Wine’s plight is quickly becoming a symbol of the deplorable state of human rights in the country.
Although Wine was originally arrested over “obstructing a motorcade”, after stones were thrown at the president’s car, more charges were slapped together, including illegal possession of a firearm (although no such firearm was ever found). Despite being a matter for the civil courts, he was put into military detention until, on Thursday, the state dropped the gun charges – only to have him re-arrested and charged with treason along with the other three MPs. Wine is in jail because of who he is, not anything he may have done.
Over the course of his detention, Wine has allegedly been subjected to horrific abuse. According to accounts by his family, his face, torso, legs and genitals have been subjected to repeated heavy punches and kicks by UPDF soldiers. He has informed his wife that he has been given so many injections of unknown drugs by unknown people that he lost count, and consciousness, awakening only when he was wheeled into his arraignment hearing on 16 August – disoriented and unable to stand or speak.
Even Wine’s military doctors are said to have told him that it is likely he has suffered significant kidney damage, while the judge at that hearing ordered that he be granted his constitutionally guaranteed right to medical care. Many of his injuries may have a lifelong impact. But despite this evidence of abuse, the government continues to insist that he is in rude health, not a scratch or bruise on him.
Wine is in many ways an unlikely figure to become a symbol of opposition. He is new to politics, only winning his seat as an independent last year, and is not tied to one of the major opposition parties. There are many other longtime challengers in the opposition who have suffered similarly for years. Kizza Besigye, of the Forum for Democratic Change, has been attacked, threatened, physically abused and sent before military courts many times – in fact, he was arrested again hours after Wine was charged with treason.
His also may not be the worst case. Francis Zaake, the Mityana MP, was arrested on the same day, and UPDF agents allegedly tied a rope around his neck and beat him unconscious. He’s been unable to leave his hospital bed because of dislocated discs in his back and a severely injured neck. In September last year, the MP Betty Nambooze had her spine snapped in an attack by state agents – and that happened inside parliament. The stories go on and on.
Nevertheless, Wine’s case has captivated national attention in a unique way. As the “ghetto president”, Wine has unprecedented appeal among young people, allowing many disenchanted Ugandans to identify with him and participate in the political sphere. If he is dragged off, beaten, and tortured by UPDF thugs, his supporters feel it – and they will not back down.
It is the responsibility of the international community to take action to halt the human rights abuses in Uganda. Uganda is in clear violation of the international covenant on civil and political rights, the UN convention against torture, the African Charter of Human Rights of the African Union, and a number of other international treaties. It is an important moment to demand the immediate release of these political prisoners, the dropping of all false charges, and the reinstatement of their basic political rights to free association and freedom of expression. Our law firm, acting on behalf of Wine, is calling for the application of the Global Magnitsky Act against state officials responsible for these human rights violations.
The Magnitsky Act, passed by the US Congress in 2016, in the wake of the murder of the Russian whistleblower-lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, allows for visa bans and targeted sanctions on individuals anywhere in the world responsible for committing human rights violations or acts of significant corruption. These types of individualised sanctions are a very effective deterrent against future attacks on human rights, while limiting the collateral damage to innocent citizens.
In recent years Uganda has avoided consequences for its repressive conduct – partly because the country is seen as a reliable security partner (contributing thousands of troops to Somalia, Iraq and elsewhere), and partly because of its stability as an investment destination. But the viability of these relationships is in jeopardy when rule of law is so brazenly discarded. The cause is just – we just need to summon the political will to bring positive change to Uganda.
• Robert Amsterdam is the founding partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, which represents Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (aka Bobi Wine). For information about the case, go to CrowdJustice
![]( "Reuters")
Over the course of his detention, Wine has allegedly been subjected to horrific abuse. According to accounts by his family, his face, torso, legs and genitals have been subjected to repeated heavy punches and kicks by UPDF soldiers. He has informed his wife that he has been given so many injections of unknown drugs by unknown people that he lost count, and consciousness, awakening only when he was wheeled into his arraignment hearing on 16 August – disoriented and unable to stand or speak.
Even Wine’s military doctors are said to have told him that it is likely he has suffered significant kidney damage, while the judge at that hearing ordered that he be granted his constitutionally guaranteed right to medical care. Many of his injuries may have a lifelong impact. But despite this evidence of abuse, the government continues to insist that he is in rude health, not a scratch or bruise on him.
Wine is in many ways an unlikely figure to become a symbol of opposition. He is new to politics, only winning his seat as an independent last year, and is not tied to one of the major opposition parties. There are many other longtime challengers in the opposition who have suffered similarly for years. Kizza Besigye, of the Forum for Democratic Change, has been attacked, threatened, physically abused and sent before military courts many times – in fact, he was arrested again hours after Wine was charged with treason.
His also may not be the worst case. Francis Zaake, the Mityana MP, was arrested on the same day, and UPDF agents allegedly tied a rope around his neck and beat him unconscious. He’s been unable to leave his hospital bed because of dislocated discs in his back and a severely injured neck. In September last year, the MP Betty Nambooze had her spine snapped in an attack by state agents – and that happened inside parliament. The stories go on and on.
Nevertheless, Wine’s case has captivated national attention in a unique way. As the “ghetto president”, Wine has unprecedented appeal among young people, allowing many disenchanted Ugandans to identify with him and participate in the political sphere. If he is dragged off, beaten, and tortured by UPDF thugs, his supporters feel it – and they will not back down.
It is the responsibility of the international community to take action to halt the human rights abuses in Uganda. Uganda is in clear violation of the international covenant on civil and political rights, the UN convention against torture, the African Charter of Human Rights of the African Union, and a number of other international treaties. It is an important moment to demand the immediate release of these political prisoners, the dropping of all false charges, and the reinstatement of their basic political rights to free association and freedom of expression. Our law firm, acting on behalf of Wine, is calling for the application of the Global Magnitsky Act against state officials responsible for these human rights violations.
The Magnitsky Act, passed by the US Congress in 2016, in the wake of the murder of the Russian whistleblower-lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, allows for visa bans and targeted sanctions on individuals anywhere in the world responsible for committing human rights violations or acts of significant corruption. These types of individualised sanctions are a very effective deterrent against future attacks on human rights, while limiting the collateral damage to innocent citizens.
In recent years Uganda has avoided consequences for its repressive conduct – partly because the country is seen as a reliable security partner (contributing thousands of troops to Somalia, Iraq and elsewhere), and partly because of its stability as an investment destination. But the viability of these relationships is in jeopardy when rule of law is so brazenly discarded. The cause is just – we just need to summon the political will to bring positive change to Uganda.
• Robert Amsterdam is the founding partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, which represents Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (aka Bobi Wine). For information about the case, go to CrowdJustice
U.S. should suspend military aid to Uganda - lawyer for critic of Museveni
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States should suspend military aid to Uganda over the government's human rights record, the U.S. lawyer for a prominent critic of President Yoweri Museveni said on Thursday.
The call broadened criticism of the government by opposition lawmaker Robert Kyagulanyi, a musician known by his stage name Bobi Wine.
Authorities charged Kyagulanyi with treason last month over the suspected stoning of Museveni's convoy. He denies the charge and says he was tortured in detention. He arrived in Washington on Saturday for medical treatment for his injuries.
A State Department official said Kyagulanyi met with representatives from the department on Thursday, "as they have done in the past when he visited the United States."
Undersecretary of State for African Affairs Tibor Nagy did not participate in the meeting at the State Department.
There was no immediate comment from the government in Kampala.
Kyagulanyi has gained popularity for his attacks on Museveni. The president has ruled since 1986 and has won a series of elections, but is viewed by some as out of touch. The government in Kampala denies torturing Kyagulanyi.
"We want the American taxpayer to know that the American taxpayer is funding this. The military equipment we are supplying to Uganda is being used in a war of terror against Uganda's citizens," lawyer Robert Amsterdam, flanked by Kyagulanyi, told a news conference in Washington
"We call on the U.S. government to immediately suspend military funding to Uganda," he said.
Kyagulanyi, 36, used crutches and showed reporters blisters on the palm of his hand he said were traces of the torture.
"I must go back home. Uganda is my home," he said. "I want you (my supporters) to stand with the oppressed, not the oppressor."
Washington is a major source of funding for Uganda's military, supplying hardware, cash and training. It has given equipment, money and intelligence for the military's hunt for Lord's Resistance Army warlord Joseph Kony.
Museveni also receives diplomatic support from Washington for his deployment of troops in international peacekeeping missions including the fight against militants in Somalia.
Chinese offshore oil and gas company CNOOC Ltd, France's Total SA and London-listed Tullow Oil Plc are among major investors in Uganda.
"International investors in Uganda have obligations," Amsterdam said.
"While we are not today in any way seeking disinvestment from Uganda, what we are seeking is responsible investment in Uganda," Amsterdam said.
(Reporting by Elias Biryabarema in Kampala and Lesley Wroughton in Washington; Writing by Cecilie Kallestrup in Nairobi; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Peter Cooney)
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Written by URN Kyadondo East MP, Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has warned government that his 'People Power' movement will only get stronger and no amount of harassment, torture or brutality shall cower down Ugandans demanding for change.
In an earlier interview with BBC, Bobi said now there's no turning back as the fight for freedom is a fight "we must either win or die trying." Bobi who is currently in Washington, USA for medical treatment addressed journalists at the National Press Club.
He was flanked by his international lawyer, Robert Amsterdam. Bobi said the press conference was organised against the advice of the doctors and family members but he needed to address the world about the continued harassment and torture of Ugandans.
"Ugandans have always been wanting freedom, they have always been wanting to be the masters of their destiny. They’ve always wanted to live in a country where leaders are servants and the people are the true masters. And that is what we still advocate for. We advocate for people power which indeed is our power." said Bobi.
"No amount of brutality, no amount of repression is going to cower us down. We swore to ourselves that we insist on the fight for freedom. I’m here for treatment and as soon my treatment is done, am going back home because Uganda is my home. Uganda is our home, we’ve never had and will never have another home and it is upon us to create a home that is good for us, our children and our children’s children." he added.
Bobi was arrested alongside 32 other suspects in Arua for allegedly stoning President Yoweri Museveni's vehicle on August 13. The suspects have since been charged with treason although Bobi was initially charged in a General Court Martial with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The charges were later dropped. The MP claims he was severely tortured during arrest by the presidential guards, Special Forces Command (SFC) and also when he was under detention.
Now, he said many of his supporters are being harassed by state operatives to force them to testify that the legislator is being funded by foreign agents. He cited some staff who work with an NGO owned by his wife Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi who were abducted recently.
Itungo runs an NGO, Caring Hearts Uganda. The NGO started in 2012 operates in slum areas with the ghetto youths on issues of HIV/Aids, drug abuse and menstrual health. There have been claims from government officials that there are foreign forces behind Bobi Wine's much-hyped People Power movement.
Government officials have also revealed that a number of NGOs are being investigated for funding and coordinating spontaneous protests that sprawled across the country following arrest following allegations that he and other suspects had been tortured.
Bobi said government agencies are forging evidence to link his People Power movement to foreign agents. During the press conference covered live by international media including Aljazeera and CNN among others, Bobi displayed his hands before the press showing signs of wounds resulting from torture. He claimed that it's a habit for Uganda security agencies to torture political opponents.
"It is a habit for the Ugandan authority to torture people. Like I said, I’m not the first person to be tortured. We have seen people who have been brutalised even worse. You have seen the Muslim clerics that have been tortured. We have seen women that have been tortured and right now we have people that are rotting in hospitals out of torture…it us a privilege for me to even be able to access specialised treatment." said Bobi.
Amsterdam argued that Museveni and not Bobi should be branded a foreign agent for serving America's interests in South Sudan and Somalia. He said Washington has kept a deaf ear on the torture inflicted on opposition politicians.
"We have to find a way to derail Museveni’s regime to descend into terror and torture of their own. Comments have been made with people saying, well because he’s got an international lawyer then somehow there’s some foreign agent…There is no foreign agent involved. There is however something to know and that is that; the Museveni regime is a foreign agent of the American military with respect to its activities in Sudan, in Somalia."
Amsterdam promised to lobby for international investigations into torture of opposition politicians in Uganda. He also revealed that the press conference was organised against doctor's advice because Bobi can't afford to keep quiet at such a critical time.
"We’re going to conduct an investigation into the deaths of other opponents of this regime…There is a long list of tragic activities which involve those who dare to speak out in Uganda. It is incredibly important for those who work with Bobi Wine to try to ensure his safety on his return to Uganda. We’re here [at presser] against medical advice because we know that every medical treatment he receives here will be negated by the treatment he receives there if they continue the ongoing [brutality]. We have to find a way to stop." said Amsterdam.
Amsterdam asked the USA government to stop funding Uganda and "launch an investigation immediately into the use US donated military equipment to torture Ugandan citizens."
It has since emerged that the US government in 2014 provided the Special Forces Command $12m in military equipment including M4s - the same type of gun soldiers quelling riots have been seen carrying according to Maria Burnett, Associate director Africa division, Human Rights Watch.
President Museveni's government is receiving unprecedented global attention and scrutiny on how it handles dissent. Bobi thanked 'the world' for standing up with Ugandans in recent weeks and asked others to stand up with the 'oppressed not the oppressor.' ![]()
Head of governance and human rights at the European Union delegation to Uganda, Thomas Tiedemann
Written by URN
Bobi Wine to 'win freedom fight or die trying'
In an earlier interview with BBC, Bobi said now there's no turning back as the fight for freedom is a fight "we must either win or die trying." Bobi who is currently in Washington, USA for medical treatment addressed journalists at the National Press Club.
He was flanked by his international lawyer, Robert Amsterdam. Bobi said the press conference was organised against the advice of the doctors and family members but he needed to address the world about the continued harassment and torture of Ugandans.
"Ugandans have always been wanting freedom, they have always been wanting to be the masters of their destiny. They’ve always wanted to live in a country where leaders are servants and the people are the true masters. And that is what we still advocate for. We advocate for people power which indeed is our power." said Bobi.
"No amount of brutality, no amount of repression is going to cower us down. We swore to ourselves that we insist on the fight for freedom. I’m here for treatment and as soon my treatment is done, am going back home because Uganda is my home. Uganda is our home, we’ve never had and will never have another home and it is upon us to create a home that is good for us, our children and our children’s children." he added.
Bobi was arrested alongside 32 other suspects in Arua for allegedly stoning President Yoweri Museveni's vehicle on August 13. The suspects have since been charged with treason although Bobi was initially charged in a General Court Martial with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The charges were later dropped. The MP claims he was severely tortured during arrest by the presidential guards, Special Forces Command (SFC) and also when he was under detention.
Now, he said many of his supporters are being harassed by state operatives to force them to testify that the legislator is being funded by foreign agents. He cited some staff who work with an NGO owned by his wife Barbie Itungo Kyagulanyi who were abducted recently.
Itungo runs an NGO, Caring Hearts Uganda. The NGO started in 2012 operates in slum areas with the ghetto youths on issues of HIV/Aids, drug abuse and menstrual health. There have been claims from government officials that there are foreign forces behind Bobi Wine's much-hyped People Power movement.
Government officials have also revealed that a number of NGOs are being investigated for funding and coordinating spontaneous protests that sprawled across the country following arrest following allegations that he and other suspects had been tortured.
Bobi said government agencies are forging evidence to link his People Power movement to foreign agents. During the press conference covered live by international media including Aljazeera and CNN among others, Bobi displayed his hands before the press showing signs of wounds resulting from torture. He claimed that it's a habit for Uganda security agencies to torture political opponents.
"It is a habit for the Ugandan authority to torture people. Like I said, I’m not the first person to be tortured. We have seen people who have been brutalised even worse. You have seen the Muslim clerics that have been tortured. We have seen women that have been tortured and right now we have people that are rotting in hospitals out of torture…it us a privilege for me to even be able to access specialised treatment." said Bobi.
Amsterdam argued that Museveni and not Bobi should be branded a foreign agent for serving America's interests in South Sudan and Somalia. He said Washington has kept a deaf ear on the torture inflicted on opposition politicians.
"We have to find a way to derail Museveni’s regime to descend into terror and torture of their own. Comments have been made with people saying, well because he’s got an international lawyer then somehow there’s some foreign agent…There is no foreign agent involved. There is however something to know and that is that; the Museveni regime is a foreign agent of the American military with respect to its activities in Sudan, in Somalia."
Amsterdam promised to lobby for international investigations into torture of opposition politicians in Uganda. He also revealed that the press conference was organised against doctor's advice because Bobi can't afford to keep quiet at such a critical time.
"We’re going to conduct an investigation into the deaths of other opponents of this regime…There is a long list of tragic activities which involve those who dare to speak out in Uganda. It is incredibly important for those who work with Bobi Wine to try to ensure his safety on his return to Uganda. We’re here [at presser] against medical advice because we know that every medical treatment he receives here will be negated by the treatment he receives there if they continue the ongoing [brutality]. We have to find a way to stop." said Amsterdam.
Amsterdam asked the USA government to stop funding Uganda and "launch an investigation immediately into the use US donated military equipment to torture Ugandan citizens."
It has since emerged that the US government in 2014 provided the Special Forces Command $12m in military equipment including M4s - the same type of gun soldiers quelling riots have been seen carrying according to Maria Burnett, Associate director Africa division, Human Rights Watch.
President Museveni's government is receiving unprecedented global attention and scrutiny on how it handles dissent. Bobi thanked 'the world' for standing up with Ugandans in recent weeks and asked others to stand up with the 'oppressed not the oppressor.'
'EU not funding Ugandan youth to topple Museveni'
The European Union (EU) has dismissed government accusations that foreign countries are behind a new political movement demanding leadership change in the country.
Lately, several cabinet ministers and other state officials have claimed Ugandan youth are being mobilised and funded by foreign countries and agents to destabilise the country through protests and other criminality so as to bring an end to President Yoweri Museveni's 32-year rule.
However, the head of governance and human rights at the European Union delegation to Uganda, Thomas Tiedemann denied the accusations that foreign countries are funding Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to topple President Museveni.
Minister for Presidency Esther Mbayo recently said government is investigating some NGOs suspected of funding and coordinating the post-Arua election protests.
At least 33 people including four MPs were arrested in Arua on August 13 and 14 on allegations of stoning the president's convoy. With allegations of torture particularly on Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and Mityana municipality MP Francis Zaake, daily protests broke out across the country and abroad.
The two MPs are currently outside the country seeking further treatment after allegedly being tortured during arrest and whilst in detention. The suspects have all been charged with treason in Gulu Magistrate's court.
President Museveni also made similar claims of foreign funding in one of his many statements about the Arua incident, indicating that there are NGOs in the country serving imperialists motives.
"As for the cacophony of the so called human rights defenders, in reality agents of imperialists' interests and their local lackeys, I would advise them to stop wasting their time in Uganda," Museveni wrote in reference to incessant criticism from NGOs over the Arua chaos.
In another earlier statement, Museveni said; "pseudo democrats, be informed that the game of trying to hijack our democracy by fascists and foreign agents is over. We shall not tolerate any threats by words or by actions."
But Tiedemann said today, Thursday that the EU as well as other development partners are funding multi-million government projects yet that has not be construed to mean that they have captured government. "The statement that there are foreign powers or foreign development partners behind NGOs, that in itself for me is not a problem. Because you could also say there is also foreign agents and foreign countries behind government. You know, the EU has a programme with the government of Uganda for €582m for 5-6 year period so there is foreign power lets say or foreign union very very strongly behind government. Does it raise any objections? Probably not. Government is appreciative of that." said Tiedemann.
Besides government, Tiedemann said development partners, equally fund the private sector and civil society organisations. He pointed out that European Union Mission in Uganda is supporting the implementation of the national development plan but it doesn't mean it's the plan is serving foreign interests.
President Museveni also made similar claims of foreign funding in one of his many statements about the Arua incident, indicating that there are NGOs in the country serving imperialists motives.
"As for the cacophony of the so called human rights defenders, in reality agents of imperialists' interests and their local lackeys, I would advise them to stop wasting their time in Uganda," Museveni wrote in reference to incessant criticism from NGOs over the Arua chaos.
In another earlier statement, Museveni said; "pseudo democrats, be informed that the game of trying to hijack our democracy by fascists and foreign agents is over. We shall not tolerate any threats by words or by actions."
But Tiedemann said today, Thursday that the EU as well as other development partners are funding multi-million government projects yet that has not be construed to mean that they have captured government. "The statement that there are foreign powers or foreign development partners behind NGOs, that in itself for me is not a problem. Because you could also say there is also foreign agents and foreign countries behind government. You know, the EU has a programme with the government of Uganda for €582m for 5-6 year period so there is foreign power lets say or foreign union very very strongly behind government. Does it raise any objections? Probably not. Government is appreciative of that." said Tiedemann.
Besides government, Tiedemann said development partners, equally fund the private sector and civil society organisations. He pointed out that European Union Mission in Uganda is supporting the implementation of the national development plan but it doesn't mean it's the plan is serving foreign interests.
There is no development partner, he argued, implanting ideas in Uganda's civil society.
"In the same vein, the European Union supports the private sector in Uganda and in the same vein, the European supports some civil society activities in Uganda. We’re behind them, we’re supporting them just like we’re supporting the implementation of the national development plan through governments that we have with government. That doesn’t mean that the national development plan was drafted by us or reflects our thinking. It reflects Ugandans." said Tiedemann.
"Are we as development partners implanting ideas in Uganda’s civil society or in the other countries ideas that are not the ideas of that society or that society that they represent? For me the answer is no, we don’t do that."
Tiedemann spoke to URN on the sidelines of a regional conference on advancing civic space and democratic accountability in a shrinking environment in East Africa. The two day conference themed "civil society's role in pushing back shrinking civic space in East Africa," kicked off this morning at Metropole Hotel, Kampala.
MORE GOV'T COMPLAINTS In a related development, government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo has criticised Robert Amsterdam, Kyagulanyi's international lawyer for describing the Ugandan government as a criminal enterprise.
In a statement, Opondo said Amsterdam was employing diversionary tactics away from the grave allegations that Kyagulanyi and other suspects are facing in the courts of law.
"Amsterdam's false and negative reference to the Uganda government is entirely surprising. If indeed Bobi Wine was tortured or injected with unknown substances as being claimed, he should quickly return to Uganda to raise those matters before court where the trial will be and they shall transparently be investigated, and culprits punished," reads part of Opondo's statement.
Amsterdam called on the world leaders to keenly follow Uganda government's continued dehumanisation and torture of suspects during arrest and while in detention.
Opondo was responding to Amsterdam's opinion published in the UK's Guardian newspaper in which he says that it is the responsibility of the international community to take action against the human rights abuses in Uganda.
"Uganda is in clear violation of the international covenant on civil and political rights, the UN convention against torture, the African Charter of Human Rights of the African Union, and a number of other international treaties. It is an important moment to demand the immediate release of these political prisoners, the dropping of all false charges, and the reinstatement of their basic political rights to free association and freedom of expression," reads part of Amsterdam's opinion.
He adds that his law firm of Amsterdam & Partners LLP calls for the application of the Global Magnitsky Act against state officials responsible for the human rights violations.
"The Magnitsky Act, passed by the US Congress in 2016, in the wake of the murder of the Russian whistle-blower-lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, allows for visa bans and targeted sanctions on individuals anywhere in the world responsible for committing human rights violations or acts of significant corruption. These types of individualized sanctions are a very effective deterrent against future attacks on human rights while limiting the collateral damage to innocent citizens," further reads the opinion piece.
In a statement, Opondo said Amsterdam was employing diversionary tactics away from the grave allegations that Kyagulanyi and other suspects are facing in the courts of law.
"Amsterdam's false and negative reference to the Uganda government is entirely surprising. If indeed Bobi Wine was tortured or injected with unknown substances as being claimed, he should quickly return to Uganda to raise those matters before court where the trial will be and they shall transparently be investigated, and culprits punished," reads part of Opondo's statement.
Amsterdam called on the world leaders to keenly follow Uganda government's continued dehumanisation and torture of suspects during arrest and while in detention.
Opondo was responding to Amsterdam's opinion published in the UK's Guardian newspaper in which he says that it is the responsibility of the international community to take action against the human rights abuses in Uganda.
"Uganda is in clear violation of the international covenant on civil and political rights, the UN convention against torture, the African Charter of Human Rights of the African Union, and a number of other international treaties. It is an important moment to demand the immediate release of these political prisoners, the dropping of all false charges, and the reinstatement of their basic political rights to free association and freedom of expression," reads part of Amsterdam's opinion.
He adds that his law firm of Amsterdam & Partners LLP calls for the application of the Global Magnitsky Act against state officials responsible for the human rights violations.
"The Magnitsky Act, passed by the US Congress in 2016, in the wake of the murder of the Russian whistle-blower-lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, allows for visa bans and targeted sanctions on individuals anywhere in the world responsible for committing human rights violations or acts of significant corruption. These types of individualized sanctions are a very effective deterrent against future attacks on human rights while limiting the collateral damage to innocent citizens," further reads the opinion piece.