“This action constitutes a blatant and unconstitutional political persecution prohibited under Article 43 (2)( a ) of the constitution, which explicitly states that nothing in the general limitations clause shall permit political persecution,” he said adding that it further violates Articles 120 (5) and 120 (6) which mandate that the DPP exercise prosecutorial authority with impartiality, integrity and free from partisan or political direction.

“If it was a matter of law enforcement, he would have been arrested by police. But the armed forces that went to arrest Erias Lukwago were members of the military, UPDF,” Fungaroo said.

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.