Kiirya said the continued reports of abductions, arbitrary detention, and public humiliation of citizens threaten the rule of law and erode public trust in state institutions.

“We also thank the sister parties, the opposition in particular, coming out to condemn and demand the release of our party President, Lukwago. Some parties have held press conferences and have written statements to pressure security to release Lukwago,” Lulume said.

“Any person who has carried him as the party leader shall be individually responsible for their harmful actions unless he or she has been given that mandate by the party leader’s conference, through the rightful process,” Oyat said.

According to the prosecution, the group comprised 54 adults and 13 children, all of whom were unable to produce valid identification or immigration documents. State Prosecutor Abraham Akandehako told the court that their undocumented stay in Uganda contravened the country's immigration laws and posed potential security concerns.

Turning to security, Museveni argued that Africa's future strength will depend on political unity, saying individual countries may not have the capacity to compete globally in areas such as space and maritime security.

“The five-year plan is aligned with Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), the Digital Transformation Programme, and Vision 2040. It sets priorities for expanding ICT infrastructure, digitizing government services, strengthening cybersecurity, enhancing data protection and privacy, and promoting innovation across both the public and private sectors,” Katuuku said.

“We don’t know where exactly Lukwago is because his legal firm, led by Medad Ssegonna, tried to go to the Natete police station to report the case, but it refused. They proceeded to the CID offices, and the same thing happened. However, they decided to write to the CID headquarters about Lukwago's arrest and his incommunicado detention,” Lulume said.