Officials from the Justice Forum (JEEMA), led by party spokesperson Swaib Kaggwa Nsereko, visited detained political activist Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Ismail Lutale at Luzira Prison.
Nsereko said both detainees remain resilient despite the challenging conditions of their detention.
He noted that they continue to call on Ugandans to advocate for their release and push for broader civil liberties.
“In the face of such injustices, they are urging citizens to demand their freedom and liberation from captivity,” Nsereko told The Nile Post.
He expressed concern over what he described as persistent violations of civil rights within Uganda’s justice system, citing the prolonged detention of many inmates without formal charges.
Nsereko called for greater accountability and sustained advocacy for detainees’ rights.
He also criticised religious leaders for their silence, urging faith institutions to speak out against human rights abuses.
Besigye, Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola face charges of treason and misprision of treason. Authorities allege the trio’s mobile devices may contain critical evidence.
The case was initially under the jurisdiction of the General Court Martial but was transferred to Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court following a Supreme Court ruling limiting military court jurisdiction in certain cases.
Last week, lawyers representing Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale vowed to challenge a court ruling allowing the cross-examination of a key police investigator behind closed doors.
The decision, made by Nakawa Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi, followed a prosecution request to exclude the media and public from the testimony of Detective Inspector Benedict Odyeke, an officer attached to the Criminal Investigations Directorate.
Last month, Odyeke swore an affidavit requesting access to the mobile phones of Besigye and Lutale as part of ongoing investigations.
During Friday’s proceedings, defense lawyers led by Frederick Mpanga objected to the request, arguing the matter is of significant public interest and that national security concerns had not been adequately substantiated.
“We are dealing with a case that affects the public. Apart from mentioning national security, the prosecution has failed to provide any real risk that would necessitate a closed-door session,” Mpanga submitted.
State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka defended the request, citing concerns over public order, national security, and the safety of the investigating officer.
He claimed the court environment had become increasingly hostile due to chanting supporters of Besigye.
“You can hear the singing and everything. Subjecting Mr. Odyeke to an open court session would compromise his security and the integrity of the investigation,” Birivumbuka argued.
Despite the defense’s objections, Magistrate Nyadoi ruled in favor of the prosecution, allowing Odyeke to testify in camera, stating it was necessary to protect his integrity as an investigative officer.
Dr. Besigye and Haji Lutale were further remanded until April 30.
