Mayiga Urges Release of Political Prisoners, Blames Election Violence on Institutional Failures

Speaking during the State of Buganda Address at a sitting of the Lukiiko in Kampala, Mayiga emphasized the need for justice, accountability, and strict adherence to legal procedures in handling politically sensitive detentions.

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on the central government to release all political prisoners, insisting that individuals with cases should be taken to court while those held without charge must be freed.

He also faulted security agencies over what he described as avoidable violence during the recent election period, warning that such incidents undermine public trust in the electoral process and the rule of law.

Speaking during the State of Buganda Address at a sitting of the Lukiiko in Kampala, Mayiga emphasized the need for justice, accountability, and strict adherence to legal procedures in handling politically sensitive detentions.

“We ask the government to release all those detained on political grounds. Those with cases should be taken to court, and those without should be freed,” he said.

The Katikkiro also strongly criticized security agencies over the violence that marred the recent election, noting that the unrest could have been prevented with better coordination and restraint.

“The violence we witnessed was unfortunate and avoidable,” Mayiga said. “All responsible institutions must ensure that such incidents do not happen again.”

His remarks come amid growing public concern over election-related tensions and the handling of opposition supporters, issues that have repeatedly drawn criticism from civil society groups and political observers in Uganda.

The State of Buganda Address, delivered before members of the kingdom’s parliament, the Lukiiko, serves as a key platform through which the Katikkiro outlines governance priorities and raises matters affecting both the kingdom and the country at large.

Buganda, Uganda’s largest traditional kingdom, frequently uses the forum to highlight national concerns, reflecting the views and expectations of its subjects on governance, justice, and political accountability.

Mayiga’s latest intervention reinforces the kingdom’s continued call for respect for human rights, peaceful political processes, and stronger accountability mechanisms as Uganda navigates its democratic trajectory.