MP DECRIES DELAY IN SEPARATING MINORS, ADULT INMATES AMID ELECTORAL ARRESTS

Bishop Mukasa shakes hands with Katikamu North MP Denis Ssekabira after Easter Mass, while Msgr. Mukiibi (right) and Fr. Masembe (left) looks on

 URN

Katikamu North legislator, Denis Ssekabira, has condemned delays in separating minor detainees from adult inmates, following arrests made during the January 2026 general elections. Ssekabira says the continued detention of minors alongside adults violates Article 34 of the Constitution of Uganda, which requires that child offenders be held separately from adults.

The same provision is reinforced in the Children Act, which mandates separate detention facilities for juveniles. His concerns stem from the ongoing case involving Butambala County MP, Muhammed Muwanga Kivumbi, and 24 co-accused persons, including several students, who were remanded to Kitalya Prison on February 17, 2026, by Butambala Chief Magistrate Deogratias Ssejjemba.

The group faces charges of terrorism and murder linked to violent incidents that occurred in Butambala during the elections. Prosecution alleges that Kivumbi and his co-accused carried out acts intended to intimidate the government, leading to the deaths of at least seven people, including Sarah Nagayi and Aisha Nabukenya.

Authorities claim the deaths occurred during a confrontation in which groups armed with pangas attempted to attack a police station and an Electoral Commission tally centre after Kivumbi lost his parliamentary seat to an independent candidate. However, the defence team led by MP Medard Lubega Sseggona disputes this account, arguing that security forces raided Kivumbi’s home at night and opened fire on what they describe as peaceful supporters.

Kivumbi maintains that ten people were killed at his residence and has accused the police of conducting a biased investigation to conceal alleged extrajudicial killings. Defence lawyers also say Kivumbi was denied access to legal counsel and next of kin during his initial detention. He has reportedly declined to record a statement, citing a lack of confidence in the investigating officers.

The arrests followed remarks by President Yoweri Museveni, who identified Butambala as a hotspot for alleged “terrorist” activity involving opposition supporters in his post-election address. The case has drawn public attention, with some observers comparing it to the detention of the late Muhammad Ssegirinya. The defence now plans to seek unconditional release through the High Court, noting that the Magistrate’s Court lacks jurisdiction over capital offences such as murder and terrorism.

Speaking on Sunday at Kasana Cathedral after Easter Mass led by Bishop Lawrence Mukasa, Ssekabira said many of those arrested are still awaiting justice more than two months after the elections. He added that during a recent visit to Kitalya Prison, he and fellow legislators were concerned by the conditions they found. He reiterated that minor suspects must have their rights protected in accordance with the law, and alleged that some of Kivumbi’s supporters are facing unfounded charges.

Uganda Radio Network was unable to verify these claims with prison authorities independently.