If you live in the UK, please write to your MP (Member of Parliament).

You may adapt and use this sample. If you live outside the UK, please consider adapting this letter as appropriate to write to your own Government.

[Your Address]

[Date] 2021

[Title and names of your MP – use this LINK to find their names and contact details]
MP for [your constituency name]
House of Commons
LONDON
SW1A 0AA

Urgent action needed following the breakdown of democracy in Uganda

Dear [title and name of your MP]

[Personal introduction, including any links or knowledge of Uganda and why you are concerned]

In view of the deteriorating situation in Uganda due to the breakdown of democracy, ensuing violations of human rights and civilians appearing in military courts, I am writing to request you to take urgent action by asking the following Question in Parliament:

Will the Foreign Secretary immediately review the United Kingdom’s official response to the Presidential Election in Uganda that took place on 14th January 2021 and receive submissions from knowledgeable civil society groups to inform that review? Informed by this review, will the Foreign Secretary then make a statement to the House on the steps the UK can take to support the rule of law, human rights and democracy in Uganda, including assurances that UK development aid is not used, directly or indirectly, to support forces or institutions that weaken commonly agreed values and principles of the United Nations and the Commonwealth of Nations.

It is important to note that I am not taking sides with any political party in Uganda nor making any judgement about whether or not there is any truth in the allegations that the recent Presidential Election was rigged. My concern is that Uganda is now a de facto military regime in which the security forces are no longer upholding democracy and the rule of law.

I am attaching a Briefing Document which contains:
• important background information about Uganda, the recent Election process and reports of the ongoing violation of human rights;
• reports and statements about the situation from some reliable institutions such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Network for Journalists, Vanguard Africa, the European Union, the Democratic Governance Facility, the NGO Forum of Uganda and the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment;
• supplementary questions for consideration by the UK Government.

I look forward to hearing from you personally after you have considered the questions and the information in the supporting document.

Yours sincerely

[Your signature]

[Your title and name]