A delegation of Members of Parliament from Mukono District yesterday visited detainees they described as political prisoners at Luzira Maximum Security Prison, pledging continued support and vowing to pursue their release through legal channels.
The team was led by Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, who also chairs the Mukono District MPs caucus. The delegation included Sheilah Amaniyo, Mukono District Woman MP; Mulima Mayuni Abdullah, MP for Mukono North; Kiwanuka Sulaiman, MP elect for Nakifuma and Maseruka Robert, MP for Mukono South. The legislators said the visit was intended to check on the welfare of opposition supporters currently in detention.
Among the detainees the MPs met were Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Eddie Mutwe and Achiello Kivumbi, among others, all supporters and activists affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP). The legislators said the prisoners shared their experiences in detention and appealed for continued advocacy from leaders outside prison.
Speaking after the visit, the MPs said the detainees urged political leaders outside prison not to compromise or engage in negotiations with the government but instead remain firm in pursuing their freedoms through lawful means.
According to the legislators, the prisoners emphasized that their cases should be handled through the courts of law, expressing confidence that legal processes would eventually secure justice.
Ms Nambooze said Mukono leaders would continue standing with detainees “against all odds,” adding that the issue of political prisoners remains a priority for opposition legislators from the district.
“We shall continue to stand with the political prisoners against all odds and ensure that their cases are followed through the courts of law, even though the judiciary is also compromised,” Ms Nambooze said.
Mukono District Woman MP Sheilah Amaniyo highlighted the situation of female detainees, saying women political prisoners face unique challenges during incarceration.
“Women political prisoners endure particular hardships, including separation from their children and families. As leaders, we must continue advocating for their rights and welfare,” Ms Amaniyo said.
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The visit adds to a growing number of prison solidarity missions by opposition leaders in recent years, particularly following election periods that saw arrests of opposition supporters. Opposition groups maintain that many of the detainees are political prisoners, while government authorities insist arrests are based on alleged violations of the law.
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