A wave of protests has erupted from the people of Bunyoro following the arrest and continued detention of Ayeranga Christopher Michael, a young man highly esteemed by his community.
Mr. Ayeranga was apprehended on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, by uniformed officers while having a meal in Kampala.
Since his arrest, he has been held incommunicado, denied access to his family, legal counsel, and any formal explanation for his detention.
As of today, Mr. Ayeranga remains in custody, having been held beyond the constitutionally mandated 48-hour period without being presented before a court of law, a direct violation of his fundamental rights under Uganda’s Constitution.
In response to the detention, Matia Kajura Amooti, the coordinator of the “Set Ayeranga Free” campaign, issued a statement condemning the arrest and demanding immediate action. “We strongly condemn the unjust and unlawful arrest of Mr. Ayeranga Christopher Michael. His continued detention is not only an affront to his personal freedoms but also an attack on the people of Bunyoro, who hold him in high regard,” Amooti said.
The statement outlines three key demands:
Immediate Access to Legal Counsel and Family: Citing Article 23(5)(b) of Uganda’s Constitution, the statement emphasizes that detainees have the right to communicate with their family and legal representatives. The continued denial of access to Mr. Ayeranga violates this constitutional provision.
Respect for the 48-Hour Rule: The community has called attention to the breach of Article 23(4)(b) of the Constitution, which requires detainees to be brought before a court within 48 hours. The authorities’ failure to do so has sparked outrage over the violation of Mr. Ayeranga’s rights.
Immediate and Unconditional Release: The statement demands the immediate release of Mr. Ayeranga. Should any charges exist, they should be brought forward legally, allowing him the opportunity to defend himself in court. His current detention, without due process, is unlawful.
The people of Bunyoro stand united in their call for justice. “If no immediate action is taken, we shall pursue all legal avenues available to ensure that Mr. Ayeranga’s rights are upheld,” the statement warns. The community has vowed to hold responsible those involved in the illegal detention and to seek justice for the breach of rights.
The ongoing detention of Mr. Ayeranga has sparked widespread concern about the enforcement of laws and the protection of civil liberties in Uganda, with many now closely watching how the government will respond to the mounting pressure from the Bunyoro community.
Mr Ayeranga was last month appointed by President Museveni as presidential advisor for Bunyoro.
