The National Unity Platform (NUP) in the Elgon region has raised concerns over the prolonged detention of four of its leaders, who have spent four days in police custody without being produced in court.
The arrests occurred on Friday during NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s campaign rallies in Mbale City. The leaders were reportedly detained for allegedly obstructing police officers from performing their duties.
Those arrested include Frank Semugezi, NUP Bugisu region technical officer; Asuman Wamakuyu, Mbale City NUP chairperson; Wandega Osama, youth councilor aspirant for Namatala Ward; and Rehema Masibo, a party supporter.
They are currently held at Mbale Central Police Station. Fazali Nabende, NUP coordinator for Bugisu region, condemned the continued detention without trial, calling it a travesty of justice.
“Despite their arrest, the authorities have failed to produce them in court, and no reason has been given for the delay,” Nabende said.
Rogers Taitika, Elgon region police spokesperson, urged NUP leaders to remain calm. He noted that the 48-hour detention period allowed by law had not yet elapsed.
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