Uganda's opposition party NUP demands freedom for two jailed leaders after a new court ruling bars military trials of civilians.
The party wants Angulibo Siraj and Andama Hamuza released from prison. Military courts charged them with treachery and illegal possession of weapons in February 2024.
"Their detention violates the Supreme Court decision," said NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya. Both men stayed in various military sites before landing in Kigo Prison.
The Supreme Court ruled on January 31 that military courts cannot try civilians. It ordered these cases moved to regular courts.
Government offices remain uncertain about the ruling's effects. The prison system awaits guidance from Uganda's attorney general.
Lawyers Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Obeid Lutale visited prison officials yesterday. They asked for their clients' release but received no clear answer.
The military held both NUP coordinators since November 2023. They spent time at Gulu Military Barracks and the intelligence unit in Mbuya before facing charges.
The ruling marks a shift in Uganda's handling of civilian cases. It stops all current military trials of non-soldiers and requires their transfer to civilian courts.
The party wants Angulibo Siraj and Andama Hamuza released from prison. Military courts charged them with treachery and illegal possession of weapons in February 2024.
"Their detention violates the Supreme Court decision," said NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya. Both men stayed in various military sites before landing in Kigo Prison.
The Supreme Court ruled on January 31 that military courts cannot try civilians. It ordered these cases moved to regular courts.
Government offices remain uncertain about the ruling's effects. The prison system awaits guidance from Uganda's attorney general.
Lawyers Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Obeid Lutale visited prison officials yesterday. They asked for their clients' release but received no clear answer.
The military held both NUP coordinators since November 2023. They spent time at Gulu Military Barracks and the intelligence unit in Mbuya before facing charges.
The ruling marks a shift in Uganda's handling of civilian cases. It stops all current military trials of non-soldiers and requires their transfer to civilian courts.
