Joel Ssenyonyi Calls for Urgent Recall of Parliament Over Alleged Human Rights Violations in Uganda
KAMPALA, Uganda — Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel B. Ssenyonyi has formally requested the urgent reconvening of Parliament, citing what he describes as escalating human rights violations and growing concerns over the rule of law in Uganda.
In a letter dated June 17, 2026, addressed to Speaker Jacob Oulanyah Oboth-Oboth and copied to Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Ssenyonyi urged parliamentary leadership to convene a special sitting before the House is scheduled to resume on July 7, 2026.
According to the opposition leader, delaying parliamentary intervention could expose more Ugandans to alleged abuses and weaken public confidence in constitutional governance.
Opposition Raises Alarm Over Human Rights Concerns
In his letter, Ssenyonyi referenced concerns he previously raised on the floor of Parliament during the Fourth Sitting of the First Meeting of the First Session of the 12th Parliament.
He noted that at the time, the Vice President directed the Minister for Security to return to Parliament with a statement addressing the allegations.
The Leader of Opposition said the issues included reports of abductions, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, excessive use of force by security agencies, and other actions that he argued undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms.
“I write to request that Parliament be urgently reconvened to consider and address the growing incidents of human rights violations and disregard for the rule of law,” Ssenyonyi stated in the letter.
Alleged Violations Said to Be Increasing
Ssenyonyi expressed concern that the situation has worsened since the matter was first raised in Parliament.
He argued that reports suggest the alleged violations have continued and may be escalating, making immediate parliamentary oversight necessary.
According to the opposition leader, Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to oversee the Executive and safeguard democratic principles, and therefore cannot remain silent amid concerns about citizens’ rights.
He warned that the absence of parliamentary scrutiny during recess could allow alleged abuses to continue unchecked while undermining trust in the country’s legal and governance institutions.
Call for Special Parliamentary Sitting
Ssenyonyi urged the Speaker to use powers provided under Parliament’s Rules of Procedure to convene a special sitting at the earliest opportunity.
He said lawmakers should be given an opportunity to receive statements from relevant government authorities, debate the reported incidents, and consider possible interventions aimed at protecting citizens’ rights and freedoms.
“The gravity and urgency of these matters warrant immediate parliamentary attention,” he wrote, adding that Parliament should reassure the public of its commitment to upholding constitutional values.
The request comes as Parliament remains on recess, with legislators expected to return for regular sittings on July 7, 2026.
