Kampala, Uganda | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Security services are now investigating the circumstances surrounding Ugandans’ departure from the country to seek residence in Europe and the United States. This investigation was prompted by the leak of ‘agreements’ signed between various Ugandan dissidents and human rights organizations funded by the European Union.

These agreements under scrutiny reveal that two Ugandan exiles have committed to sharing their social media platforms with officials associated with EU-funded human rights organizations. The purpose is to “promote the rights and amplify the voices” of marginalized groups, including LGBTQ individuals and those fleeing political persecution. The primary platforms in question are X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook (META).

Sources reveal that once exiles grant permission for their social media accounts to be used, they relinquish their rights to moderate the content posted on these platforms. Consequently, these accounts have been utilized to target top Ugandan officials and members of the First Family.

These agreements reportedly include strict confidentiality clauses.

Over the past decade, several Ugandan opposition activists have left the country, seeking refuge in Europe due to allegations of government harassment and the suppression of civil liberties. Among them are Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and Stella Nyanzi, both arrested and charged for insulting the President and his family members via their social media accounts.

The dissidents accuse security agencies of unlawful arrests and torture for their dissenting views.

One of the dissidents contacted by our website admitted, “I may not be the best example because I haven’t sought asylum, but I’m aware that some people engage in deceptive practices to obtain asylum. This includes making false claims of persecution in Uganda.”

The alleged collaboration between Ugandan dissidents and EU-funded organizations is cited as one reason for the government’s decision not to renew the host country agreement with the UN human rights office in Uganda.

In February, the government terminated the mandate of the High Commissioner’s Office (OHCHR) in Uganda. Non-governmental organizations and human rights defenders protested this move, but the government remained firm.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed regret over the closure of OHCHR’s Uganda office, which had operated for 18 years. OHCHR initially focused on human rights in conflict-affected areas of Northern and Northeastern Uganda, later extending its mandate to cover the entire country and all human rights issues.

In the lead-up to the 2021 general elections, the government blocked access to Facebook in Uganda, citing the platform’s alleged bias and manipulation of public debate. Facebook, in response, suspended accounts of officials accused of interfering in the electoral process.

SOURCE: CHIMPREPORTS