Tension grips Lira as families cry foul, accusing the justice system of bowing to political pressure while National Unity Platform supporters languish behind bars without trial. The Lira court extends detention of NUP supporters, further fueling the discontent.
In a move that has sent shockwaves across Uganda’s political landscape, the Lira Chief Magistrate’s Court has once again extended the detention of nine National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, deepening public anger and fueling accusations of political persecution under the guise of law and order.
The detained supporters—who have been held for weeks without trial—were expected to be released or at least granted bail. Instead, the court stunned the public by ordering their continued remand, citing “ongoing investigations.” The decision to extend detention has intensified the community’s frustration.
“This is not justice — it’s intimidation!” shouted one distraught relative outside the courtroom, her voice trembling with emotion.
“Our people are being punished for supporting the opposition!” another NUP member cried out, as police tightened security around the court premises.
Mounting Fury and Broken Promises
The NUP’s regional leadership in Northern Uganda has condemned the decision as “a blatant abuse of power”, accusing the judiciary of colluding with the state to silence dissenting voices. Their statement suggests that while the court extends the detention, justice is still being questioned.
Party spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi expressed outrage, saying,
“This is how dictatorships operate — arrest, detain, delay, and silence. Our comrades are prisoners of conscience.”
The nine detainees were reportedly arrested during a political mobilization event last month in Lira, where tensions flared between supporters of NUP and ruling party sympathizers. According to eyewitnesses, police used excessive force to disperse crowds, resulting in several injuries and mass arrests.
Human Rights Watchdogs Speak Out
Civil rights activists and legal observers are now demanding immediate intervention from Uganda’s Human Rights Commission. They argue that continued detention without trial violates fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. With every extension of detention, it highlights potential human rights issues as the Lira court declines to release NUP supporters.
“This pattern of politically motivated detentions must end,” said a representative from the Uganda Law Society.
“Justice delayed is justice denied — and in this case, it’s clearly political.”
Growing Political Storm
As the story spreads across social media, the hashtag #FreeNUP9 has begun trending nationwide, drawing the attention of international observers and exiled activists who warn that Uganda’s democratic space is shrinking fast.
Meanwhile, government officials have remained tight-lipped, insisting that “the law must take its course.” But critics say that line has become a tired refrain used to justify repression.
The Bigger Picture
This case adds to a long list of incidents where opposition supporters have faced arrest, harassment, and detention without trial — a dark reminder of Uganda’s ongoing struggle for political freedom.
The people of Lira, once known for their resilience and calm, are now seething with anger and fear, wondering who might be next as the Lira court extends detention once more.
“Today it’s them, tomorrow it could be us,” whispered one shopkeeper, watching the police trucks disappear into the distance.
As pressure mounts on the government to release the detainees, one thing is clear: the battle for Uganda’s soul — and its justice system — is far from over.
