Today, we solemnly mark the International Day of Political Prisoners in Uganda, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of those unjustly detained or disappeared for peacefully expressing their opinions, beliefs, or political participation. 

These individuals are not criminals; they are defenders of democracy and human rights. They represent the conscience of their societies. 

Under human rights law, a political prisoner is a person who is arbitrarily deprived of liberty and is subjected to detention in unfair proceedings linked to political or human rights work.

Over the years, hundreds of individuals have been detained in unfair criminal proceedings for political reasons. Others have been subjected to enforced disappearances.

The continuous detention of political prisoners in Uganda reflects a stark failure of the state to respect constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations. The arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention without trial, and incommunicado detention amount to serious violations of fundamental constitutional rights and freedoms. 

Further, the continued disregard for the Supreme Court’s landmark Kabaziguruka judgment, which ordered the immediate cessation and transfer of all criminal trials held in military courts to civilian courts, is deeply concerning.

The rule of law demands fair treatment, due process, and respect for civil liberties. In this regard, we call for the following:

• The government authorities should immediately release all political prisoners and promptly transfer all criminal cases from the military courts to civilian courts in compliance with the Constitution and Supreme Court orders.
• The Director of Public Prosecutions should exercise prosecutorial powers judiciously to prevent abuse of power and ensure that individuals are not unfairly targeted or persecuted for political reasons.
• Judicial officers should do more to defend and uphold the sanctity of the right to bail and habeas corpus.

Chapter Four Uganda stands in solidarity with political prisoners and their families. We reiterate our commitment to advocating for their freedom and a Uganda where political dissent is protected, not punished.