The United States and the European Union have condemned the brutal treatment of members of parliament by the military in Uganda.

The US embassy statement, posted on Twitter, asked the Ugandan government to respect the human rights of all of its citizens:

U.S. Mission Uganda?@usmissionuganda

  We are deeply concerned by recent events in Arua, Kampala, and Gulu, and disturbed by reports of brutal treatment of Members of Parliament, journalists, and others at the hands of security forces.

U.S. Mission Uganda?@usmissionuganda

All of those detained have the right to humane treatment, due process, access to lawyers and to their families, and a prompt, fair, and transparent trial.  Those who need medical attention should be granted immediate access to a doctor of their choice.

1:01 AM - Aug 17, 2018

The EU called for an end to oppression, saying the events had harmed Uganda's global reputation.

On Thursday, lawyers for the opposition MP and Afrobeats pop star Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, said he had been so badly beaten in military custody that he could barely see, talk or walk when he appeared before a military court.

He was charged with unlawful possession of firearms after being arrested in the run-up to a by-election where he and President Yoweri Museveni were campaigning.

Several other MPs and supporters also showed signs of having been assaulted after their arrest.