Kampala– The Uganda Catholic Lawyers fraternity, have condemned the continued detention of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira in army detention without allowing him to access his lawyers and family members.
“The actions surrounding the arrest and detention of Rev. Fr. Sekabira constitute multiple grave violations of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995, including but not limited to: Article 23: Protection of personal liberty, including the right to be informed promptly of the reasons for arrest, to be produced before a competent court within 48 hours, and to access legal counsel; Article 24: Freedom from torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment; Article 28: Right to a fair, speedy, and public hearing before an independent and impartial court.” Reads part of the statement signed by Society President
That, the use of unmarked vehicles, non-identified operatives, secret detention facilities, and delayed disclosure of custody are hallmarks of unconstitutional security practices that undermine the rule of law and erode public confidence in state institutions.
The lawyers have therefore asked the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) to immediately produce Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira before a competent civilian Courts of law and grant unrestricted access to legal counsel, family, and ecclesiastical authorities.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to urgently review the legality of the arrest and detention; To either lawfully charge the priest in a civilian court or order his immediate release.”
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has been asked to commence an independent investigation into the abduction, disappearance,and detention, secondly also, to visit the place of detention and report publicly on compliance with human-rights standards.
