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WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States should suspend its military aid to Uganda on the government's human rights record, American lawyer Yoweri Museveni, a prominent critic, said on Thursday.
The call broadens government criticism by opposition MP Robert Kyagulanyi, a musician known by his stage name Bobi Wine.
The authorities accused Kyagulanyi of treason last month for suspecting the stoning of the Museveni convoy. He denies the accusation and claims to have been tortured while in detention. He arrived in Washington Saturday for medical treatment for his injuries.
Kyagulanyi was elected last year and has gained popularity for his attacks against Museveni. The president has ruled since 1986 and won a series of elections, but some view him as disconnected. The Kampala government denies having tortured Kyagulanyi.
"We want the American taxpayer to know that the American taxpayer is funding this.The military equipment we supply to Uganda is being used in a war of terror against Ugandan citizens," said lawyer Robert Amsterdam at the time. from a conference in Washington. Kyagulanyi, 36 years old.
"We call on the US government to immediately suspend military funding in Uganda," he said.
Kyagulanyi used crutches and showed the journalists blisters on the palm of his hand that were traces of torture.
"I have to go home, Uganda is my home," he said. "I want you (my supporters) to stand with the oppressed, not the oppressors."
US authorities and the Kampala government made no comment. The US Embassy previously stated that it was concerned about the beating of MPs after the incident in which Kyagulanyi's driver was shot dead.
Washington is a major source of funding for the Ugandan army, providing equipment, money and training. He provided material, money and information for the military hunt to the warlord of the Lord's Resistance Army, Joseph Kony.
Museveni also receives Washington's diplomatic support for deploying troops to international peacekeeping missions, including fighting militants in Somalia.
The Chinese oil and gas company CNOOC Ltd, the French company Total and the London listed company Tullow Oil are among the main investors in Uganda. [L5N1VS2S9]
"International investors in Uganda have bonds," Amsterdam said.
"Although we are not currently seeking a divestment from Uganda, we are seeking responsible investment in Uganda," said Amsterdam.
(Report by Reuters TV in Washington and Elias Biyraberema in Kampala, edited by Cecilie Kallestrup in Nairobi, edited by Ingrid Melander and Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
