NUP Holds Prayers to Honor Victims of November 2020 Protests, Family Calls For Justice

At least 50 people were killed during the November 2020 protests in Uganda, many of them innocent bystanders or individuals going about their daily routines. These protests erupted following the arrest of the National Unity Platform (NUP) President, Robert Kyagulanyi, while he was campaigning in Luuka District.

On Monday, November 18, the NUP organized a commemorative prayer service at its headquarters in Kavule to honor the victims. The ceremony featured a special mass led by Reverend Father Angelo Okwairoth of Mulago Catholic Parish.

“It is commendable that the NUP leadership has dedicated time to pray for departed comrades,” Fr. Angelo said, lauding the party for its consistent remembrance of those who lost their lives.

The event was marked by deeply emotional testimonies from families of the deceased and those still missing. Widows, orphans, and grieving parents shared the pain and challenges they face in the absence of their loved ones.

In his address, Kyagulanyi urged elected leaders within the party to remain steadfast in their commitment to the sacrifices made by the victims.

“People lost their lives, others were arrested, and some disappeared without a trace. As you serve in your positions, never forget the people who suffered in the process,” he emphasized.

The actual death toll from the protests remains contentious. Government sources reported fewer casualties, but the NUP maintains that the true figure was much higher.

As the prayers concluded, NUP leaders reiterated their pledge to pursue justice and accountability for the victims. They vowed that the sacrifices of those who died, were detained, or disappeared would not be in vain.

On November 18, 2020, the Joint Security Task Force in Busoga North arrested Robert Kyagulanyi and Pastor Andrew Muwanguzi ahead of their rally at the Ssaza Grounds, Luuka town council, in Luuka district, which sparked off protests in some parts of Buganda where, according to the Uganda Police report, 54 people were killed and dozens were injured.

The National Unity platform says that the number was bigger than the one released by the government, and according to the NUP party deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, over 150 people were killed and many more were arrested and are still being held in different prisons, as some others their whereabouts are not known four years later.