Zaake urges Govt to release political prisoners after Ssegirinya’s death

It’s been unfortunate this morning that the government was unable to stand with Ssegirinya. We all know that during his political life, especially his time in the opposition, he faced persecution

Mityana Municipality Member of Parliament, Francis Zaake, has called on the government to take immediate action to support political prisoners, urging that all charges against them be dropped and that they be released on bail.

Zaake, speaking during a tribute to the late Kawempe North MP, Muhammad Ssegirinya, described the late MP as a close friend and fellow activist who had been subject to political persecution throughout his life.

Ssegirinya, who passed away on Thursday at Rubaga Hospital after a prolonged illness, was remembered by Parliament for his dedication to social justice and his relentless activism.

In his tribute, Zaake expressed his disappointment that the government had not offered more support to Ssegirinya, particularly during his time of illness and incarceration.

He emphasised that Ssegirinya, like many other political prisoners, had faced persecution for his political beliefs.

“It’s been unfortunate this morning that the government was unable to stand with Ssegirinya. We all know that during his political life, especially his time in the opposition, he faced persecution,” Zaake stated.

Zaake, who also spent time in prison for his activism, called on the government to release all political prisoners, stressing that they should not be detained without trial.

He recalled his own two years spent advocating for political prisoners, wearing clothes emblazoned with the message “Free all political prisoners.”

“I put down all my nice suits, just like the one I’m wearing today, and decided to wear clothes with ‘Free all political prisoners’ written on them for those two years. I call upon the government to free all political prisoners, but most importantly, to bail them out while they are being tried. This is what we call persecution,” Zaake added.

Zaake’s remarks come at a time of growing calls for the government to address human rights concerns in the country, particularly regarding the detention of opposition figures and activists.

He urged President Museveni to take action, saying that there is still time for the government to show support for those suffering from political persecution.

Parliament paid tribute to Ssegirinya following his death, highlighting his role as a vocal advocate for the rights of the people of Kawempe North and his tireless work to improve the lives of Ugandans.