We are deeply saddened by recent reports of escalating cases of illegal detention, kidnap, and torture of citizens, especially targeting human rights defenders and activists.

The most recent cases of Mr. Kakwenza Rwakirabashaija, a Novelist, and Mr. Samuel Masereka, the Coordinator of the National Unity Platform in Kasese are some of the publicly discussed indicators of a very worrying trend. The evidence in the public domain reveals that the two were arbitrarily arrested, tortured, and denied access to their families and lawyers at various points while in detention. These are a violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1995 Constitution of Uganda and the International Human Rights Statutes.