Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza has sharply criticised the Ugandan government, describing recent high-profile security actions against opposition figures as a “deliberate campaign of political persecution,” escalating debate over rule of law and civil liberties.
Kiiza’s remarks come in response to a statement by Senior Presidential Advisor for Defence Salim Saleh, who had urged government coordination and tasked the Justice Ministry with addressing public concerns surrounding cases involving opposition leaders.
In a response, Kiiza grouped the cases of Erias Lukwago, Kizza Besigye, and Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua as part of a broader pattern of state conduct.
“The Erias Lukwago issue: his military abduction, torture, incommunicado detention, and subsequent purported prosecution in his gravely ill condition… constitute a single, connected and deliberate campaign of political persecution,” Kiiza stated.
He further alleged that Besigye had been subjected to similar treatment, including what he termed unlawful detention, denial of mandatory bail, and threats from Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Kiiza also raised concerns over attempts to rely on anonymous military witnesses and what he described as manipulation of electronic evidence.
On Martha Karua, Kiiza cited her recent blocked entry into Uganda, brief detention, and deportation from Entebbe, arguing that such actions undermined her role as legal counsel and violated due process.
According to Kiiza, the incidents collectively contravene Article 43 of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, which guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms.
He argued that the pattern of actions points to systemic abuse of power rather than isolated security operations.
Saleh, in his earlier remarks, had indicated that Justice Minister Norbert Mao should brief the public on such matters, noting that he may require access to classified intelligence to respond effectively.
His statement was seen as an attempt to bridge communication gaps between military operations and civilian oversight.
The contrasting positions highlight growing tension within Uganda’s political and legal landscape, with increased scrutiny on how the state manages dissent.
While government officials maintain that security actions are lawful and necessary, critics argue that the measures risk eroding constitutional protections.