State Power, Torture, and the Erosion of Citizenship

The State, in its essence, represents the collective power of its citizens within defined borders, with government serving as the administrative arm. This power is held in trust for the people, regulated by constitutional frameworks reflecting the nation’s history and aspirations. Any deviation from this mandate, especially actions taken not in the name of citizens, risks transforming the ruling party into an occupying force rather than legitimate administrators.

The police, as the primary arresting agency, are bound by specific procedures. Evidence obtained through torture is inadmissible in courts, compelling law enforcement to gather information ethically. The recent arrest of Erias Lukwago, former Lord Mayor of Kampala and lawyer for Dr. Kizza Besigye, raises serious concerns. Reports indicate his arrest was not conducted by the police, and police disavowed responsibility, suggesting a potential kidnapping. Lukwago’s subsequent claims of torture are deeply disturbing, as torture represents a profound abuse of power.

The perpetrator of torture often seeks to exert dominance over a victim’s powerlessness, a pursuit that is ultimately hollow and corrupting. As the author shares from personal experience, such acts, whether physical or psychological, strip individuals of their dignity and humanity. The writer recounts being held incommunicado for 96 hours in harsh conditions, stripped and left in his own waste, an ordeal that nearly proved fatal. This testimony serves as a stark reminder that regardless of political allegiance or perceived threats, resorting to torture is a grave moral and legal failing.

Such brutalization, inflicted on any individual—be they a spy, activist, or opponent—violates fundamental human dignity. The pursuit of nationalism or loyalty to leaders can never justify actions that degrade our shared humanity. The article calls for a reckoning with these abuses, emphasizing that the true strength of a state lies in its adherence to justice and respect for its citizens.