By Ritah Rose Kalendera
Lawyer Jude Byamukama has raised serious concerns about the shrinking political space in Uganda and the continued detention of opposition youth without trial.
Speaking on the current state of governance, Byamukama pointed out that opposition parties like the National Unity Platform (NUP) are operating under intense pressure and police interference.
“NUP can barely organise a press conference at their headquarters without police interference,” Jude said. “The law and reality are very different.”
He further highlighted the plight of hundreds of young Ugandans who remain in detention, many of them held by the Court Martial without formal charges or trial.
“They are in limbo right now, and even the court doesn’t know how to move forward,” Byamukama noted. “This is an issue where we need Executive leadership.”
Byamukama also criticised what he described as the government’s disregard for opposition voices, stating that their limited numbers in Parliament — less than 10% — has led to systemic marginalisation.
“In terms of numerical strength, the Opposition are not even 10%. By virtue of this, there is a way they are always ignored,” he said.
He expressed disappointment in President Museveni’s consistent failure to address the political climate during key national speeches, including the State of the Nation Address.
“Many times, the President ignores the political situation of the country. He will always refer to 1986 and talk about how peace has returned and the economy is growing,” Byamukama said.
The remarks add to growing calls for political reforms, greater respect for human rights, and an end to what critics describe as targeted suppression of opposition groups in Uganda.