Lawyer Isaac Semakade, president of the Uganda Law Society, has raised serious alarms regarding the recent abduction and disappearance of Denis Ssenono aka Dencity, a volunteer and aide to the President of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
In a statement posted on social media, Semakade emphasized that these actions are symptomatic of broader violations of constitutional rights and the rule of law in Uganda.
Semakade underscored that the Ugandan Constitution guarantees every citizen the rights to freedom of expression and political affiliation under Article 29.
He pointed out that by targeting individuals participating in lawful political activities, the state is directly infringing upon these fundamental rights.
"The manner of Dencity’s abduction by armed men in an unmarked vehicle, commonly referred to as a 'drone van,' without a warrant or legal justification constitutes an unlawful detention," Semakade stated.
He described this incident as a clear violation of Article 23, which protects the right to personal liberty.
Dencity's detention in an undisclosed location also contravenes the principle of habeas corpus, a legal safeguard ensuring that detained individuals are brought before a court within 48 hours.
In addition to condemning the abduction, Semakade criticized the practice of parading civilians before military courts, noting that this is not only inappropriate but illegal under Ugandan law.
He stressed that military courts lack jurisdiction over civilians except in rare cases involving military offenses, which does not seem applicable in this instance.
Semakade further characterized the ongoing pattern of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and torture as grave human rights abuses.
He pointed out that these actions violate both domestic laws and international human rights conventions to which Uganda is a signatory, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
"The Ugandan government is obligated under these international instruments to protect the rights and dignity of its citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations," he asserted.
In light of these developments, Semakade has called for the immediate release of Dencity and all individuals who have been unlawfully detained.
His statement reflects growing concerns among human rights advocates and civil society organizations about the state of freedom and justice in Uganda.
