Kasana-Luwero Bishop Lawrence Mukasa has called for the speedy trial of political and election-related suspects, saying justice delayed amounts to justice denied. Speaking on Sunday at Kasana Cathedral after Easter Mass, Bishop Mukasa said several people arrested during the recent elections, including Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi, remain on remand more than two months later without trial. Kivumbi, who has been on remand since February 17, is jointly charged with 24 others with terrorism and murder linked to violent incidents that allegedly occurred in Butambala during the elections. The prosecution alleges that Kivumbi and his co-accused carried out acts intended to intimidate the government, leading to the deaths of at least seven people. However, Katikamu North MP Denis Ssekabira raised concerns about the treatment of some detainees, saying minors were not separated from adult inmates, a practice he says violates Article 34 of the Constitution, which requires child offenders to be detained separately. The same requirement is reinforced under the Children Act. Authorities claim the deaths occurred during a confrontation in which groups armed with pangas allegedly attempted to attack a police station and an Electoral Commission tally centre after Kivumbi lost his parliamentary seat to an independent candidate. The defence team, led by MP Medard Lubega Sseggona, disputes this account, arguing that security forces raided Kivumbi’s home at night and opened fire on what they describe as peaceful supporters. Kivumbi maintains that ten people were killed at his residence and has accused the police of conducting a biased investigation to conceal alleged extrajudicial killings. Video footage from the day of the incident reportedly shows his wife and family members pleading with him not to go outside as supporters cried out amid gunfire. Defence lawyers also claim that Kivumbi was initially denied access to legal counsel and next of kin. He has reportedly declined to record a statement, citing a lack of confidence in the investigating officers. The arrests followed remarks by President Yoweri Museveni, who identified Butambala as a hotspot for alleged “terrorist” activity involving opposition supporters in his post-election address. The case has since drawn public attention, with some observers comparing it to the detention of the late Muhammad Ssegirinya. The defence team says it plans to seek unconditional release through the High court, noting that the Magistrate’s court lacks jurisdiction to try capital offences such as murder and terrorism. Ssekabira added that during a recent visit to Kitalya prison, he and fellow legislators raised concerns about detention conditions. He reiterated that minor suspects must have their rights protected in accordance with the law and alleged that some of Kivumbi’s supporters face unfounded charges. Prison authorities were not immediately available to independently verify the claims.The post Bishop Mukasa calls for speedy trial of political suspects appeared first on The Observer.