Africa-Press – Uganda. Supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) currently on remand at Kitalya Prison have renewed calls for justice for the 10 people shot dead last month during a police operation at the residence of the party’s Deputy President for Buganda, Muwanga Kivumbi, in Butambala District.
Kivumbi, along with 20 others, was arrested shortly after the 2026 general elections and charged with terrorism.
They have remained in custody at Kitalya Prison while investigations continue.
During a visit by Members of Parliament led by the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, the detainees expressed concern not only about their continued incarceration but also about what they described as the lack of accountability for the fatal shootings.
Speaking to journalists after the visit, Ssenyonyi said the group appeared resilient despite their circumstances.
“Kivumbi and his colleagues are in good spirits, more than we even expected,” he said.
He added that the detainees, while believing their prosecution is politically motivated, are primarily concerned with justice for the families of those killed.
“These people were innocent, yet the government remains silent on who killed them, as if no investigations have taken place,” Ssenyonyi said.
The fatal shooting occurred during a police raid at Kivumbi’s residence following the elections.
Authorities have previously stated that security operations during the election period were meant to maintain law and order, but details surrounding the specific incident and the status of investigations remain unclear.
Beyond Kivumbi, opposition lawmakers also met NUP supporters arrested during the 2021 general elections, many of whom are still awaiting trial on similar charges.
Prolonged pre-trial detention, particularly for political detainees facing terrorism charges, has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and human rights advocates, who argue it undermines due process.
Despite their situation, the detainees reportedly remain resolute, urging supporters outside prison to continue advocating for political change.
With mounting pressure from opposition MPs, attention is likely to focus on whether investigations into the Butambala shooting will provide answers for bereaved families and whether the courts will expedite the cases of those currently on remand.
