Uganda's Past Echoes in Present Detentions

The recent detention of Kampala’s former Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, has resonated deeply across Uganda, not just as a political incident but as a stark reminder of the nation’s history of repression. For many, the circumstances echo a period when dissenting voices were silenced through abductions and enforced disappearances.

Lukwago has consistently been a prominent advocate for constitutionalism and civil liberties. Regardless of political alignment, his role in public discourse is significant. The manner of his recent apprehension has understandably raised concerns among those who recall earlier decades when security forces would detain individuals, often with no subsequent trace.

This situation inevitably brings to mind the tragic fate of Benedicto Kiwanuka, Uganda’s first African Chief Justice, who was abducted from his chambers in 1972 during Idi Amin’s regime and never seen again. His disappearance remains a potent symbol of state-sponsored terror.

For Ugandans who lived through the tumultuous periods of the 1970s and 1980s, these events are not abstract historical facts but deeply ingrained memories. The author recounts the story of Ssebude, a veterinary officer taken by soldiers, whose daughter’s innocent questions about her father’s whereabouts still linger. Later accounts from a survivor of the Makindye military detention centre corroborated Ssebude’s fate, detailing his chilling final moments before being led away to be killed.

Furthermore, the public nature of some modern arrests, amplified by social media, adds a layer of humiliation and public spectacle to the ordeal. This practice can deepen societal divisions rather than foster unity.

While Uganda has made strides in stability and institutional rebuilding since its most turbulent times, history teaches that true peace requires more than just security. It demands tolerance, accountability, and genuine respect for diverse political viewpoints. The current leadership faces a critical juncture: political opposition is a cornerstone of democracy, not an act of rebellion. Intimidation and fear tactics that evoke past traumas are counterproductive.

As Ugandans who experienced the fear and uncertainty of past eras witness these events, old wounds are reopened. The lessons of history are clear: a commitment to human rights, due process, and political pluralism is essential. Failing to heed these lessons risks condemning a new generation to the anxieties of a past that refuses to remain buried.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/when-the-past-refuses-to-stay-buried-5500748