The Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Mathias Mpuuga has welcomed US’ decision to impose sanctions on the Commissioner of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, saying that they provide an opportunity for holding people involved in human rights violations accountable.

Mpuuga made these remarks while addressing the press at Parliament on December 11, 2023.

According to Mpuuga, Uganda is part of the global family of humans, adding that, Ugandans whose rights are being violated by people charged with the protection of human rights is a very serious matter.

“If you are people handling prisons, and they bring you a tortured suspect, you don’t have to accommodate that suspect,” Mpuuga said.

Mpuuga noted that, by the fact that they have not come out to accept the tortured victims, is the reason they must account.

He further stated that, a prisoner whose matter hasn’t been heard is presumed innocent, adding that, there is nowhere in the penal laws where a person charged and found guilty is supposed to be tortured.

“So, it all represents violation and as opposition, we welcome these sanctions. I hope they offer the necessary lessons to all,” Mpuuga noted.

On December 9, 2023, the United States (US) government slapped sanctions on the Commissioner of Uganda Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija on allegations of human rights violations.