Kampala

Abolish Death Penalty - Envoy

March 4, 2003

Siraje K. Lubwama
Kampala

The German Ambassador Klaus Holderbaum has called for the abolition of the death penalty in Uganda.

"The death penalty is not a punishment. Hanging a killer is not proper. Judges are human beings too who can make mistakes and come to wrong conclusions," Mr Holderbaum said at the Constitution Square on 1 March.

Mr Holderbaum was chief guest at celebrations to mark the international world day campaign against the death penalty.

He said the 15 member states of the European Union want the death penalty abolished.

Mr Holderbaum, a lawyer criticised his "learned friends" who still defend the death penalty.

"I personally subscribe 100 percent to the abolition of the death penalty. Quite a number of Ugandans in high positions are not in favour of the death penalty but I know a majority of those in government still defend it," he said.

The celebrations were organised by the Uganda Citizens Rescue (UCR), a local NGO that advocates for the abolition of the death penalty.

"An eye for an eye can make the world blind. Two wrongs cannot make a right. If to kill is an evil, why isn't it an evil to the State?" UCR Co-ordinator, Godfrey Ssebuufu said.