Politics 18 October 2026 Nile Post
Mao: Release of Detainees, Return of Exiles Should Be Discussed in Dialogue, Not Preconditions
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has stated that the release of political detainees and the return of exiled Ugandans should be subjects for discussion within a national dialogue, rather than prerequisites for initiating such talks. He argues that making these demands conditions for dialogue could impede progress. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/379554/mao-rejects-release-of-political-detainees-as-precondition-for-national-dialogue
Justice Minister Norbert Mao has pushed back against opposition demands to make the unconditional release of political detainees and the return of exiled Ugandans preconditions for national dialogue. Mao asserts that these significant issues should be addressed during the dialogue process itself, not as hurdles to its commencement.
Mao, speaking at a retreat for political party leaders in Jinja, organized by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), expressed concern that demanding the release of individuals currently facing court cases could derail efforts to bring the government and opposition to the negotiating table.
Opposition leaders present at the retreat, including the presidents of Justice Forum (JEEMA) and the Democratic Front (DF), had emphasized the importance of these individuals as stakeholders whose absence could undermine the credibility of any proposed dialogue. They argued for their release and unconditional return before substantive negotiations could begin.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of these demands, Mao cautioned against insisting on the release of those whose cases are actively before the courts. He proposed that the government consult the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on these matters and include them on the agenda for the dialogue.
This disagreement highlights a key tension in the preparations for a national dialogue: opposition groups seek confidence-building measures, while Mao advocates for addressing contentious issues within the dialogue framework. The discussions also occur alongside considerations of a proposed consociational democracy model, which aims to promote political inclusion and power-sharing.
Mao further indicated that reforms related to parliamentary representation and the independence of electoral institutions are crucial for the proposed framework. He pointed to proportionality in parliamentary seats and the appointment process for Electoral Commission members as areas needing attention to enhance public confidence in elections.
According to Mao, President Museveni has reviewed the proposals for consociational democracy, drafted by Professor Ogenga Otunnu in collaboration with Gen. Salim Saleh, and is reportedly comfortable with their content. These proposals are now slated for further consideration by the National Consultative Forum.