Uganda Today Edition: NUP Petitions Supreme Court to Enforce Release of Political Prisoners Following Landmark Ruling
By Uganda Today Reporter
KAMPALA – The National Unity Platform (NUP) has petitioned the Supreme Court to order the Uganda Prisons Service to immediately release their detained comrades who were arrested in 2021 and were being tried by the General Court Martial. This follows the 31st January 2025 Supreme Court ruling, which declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional and ordered an immediate cessation of such proceedings.
NUP Files Petition for Immediate Release
On the afternoon of February 6, 2025, NUP lawyers, alongside families of the detained individuals, filed an application at the High Court, seeking the unconditional release of their colleagues who were previously subjected to military trials. The party insists that following last week’s ruling, there is no legal basis for the continued detention of these individuals, whom they describe as “prisoners of conscience.”
“We were joined by the families of these comrades who are demanding that the regime adheres to the court decision and immediately releases these prisoners. We shall use all avenues to push for justice and accountability!” read part of NUP’s statement issued this afternoon.
The Supreme Court ruling has been hailed as a significant victory for Uganda’s civil liberties and human rights, particularly for opposition political actors who have long decried the use of military courts to stifle dissent.
Parallel Legal Efforts by Opposition Lawyers
NUP’s legal battle aligns with a similar petition filed by lawyers representing Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and opposition leader, who is also seeking the release of political detainees arrested under questionable charges.
Both legal teams argue that the Supreme Court ruling should be fully implemented, urging the government to comply with its directives and ensure justice for all individuals who were unfairly tried in military courts.
Government’s Response and Next Steps
As of now, the Ugandan government and security agencies have yet to make a formal statement regarding the immediate release of these detainees. However, human rights activists and civil society organizations have increased pressure on authorities to adhere to the ruling and respect the rule of law.
The petition will now be considered by the Supreme Court, and political analysts suggest that its outcome could set a critical precedent for judicial independence and respect for human rights in Uganda.
Uganda Today will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
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