Alupo says Uganda enjoying unprecedented peace, urges faster trials of detainees

5 November 2026, 9:56 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Vice President Jessica Alupo has said Ugandans are enjoying an unprecedented level of peace and security under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership, while urging the Justice, Law and Order sector to expedite the trials of detained suspects.

Alupo made the remarks during yesterday’s plenary sitting of the 12th Parliament, following a security statement presented by the Minister of Internal Affairs, and in response to concerns raised by legislators.

She emphasised that peace and security are essential for national development, noting that isolated incidents of crime tend to create anxiety among communities, particularly in neighbouring districts.

“Mr. Speaker, for the last over four decades, all the people of Uganda have seen unprecedented peace and security under the leadership of H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief. I would like this House to acknowledge that fact. The Minister’s statement has prescribed solutions to the challenges,” Alupo said.

She further called upon security agencies to work closely with citizens in identifying suspects and ensuring they are brought before courts of law.

“No member of the security forces should be part of any of these grave crimes. Security forces should work with the wananchi to ensure that suspects are singled out and taken to courts of law,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Ephraim Kamuntu, addressed concerns surrounding gazetted detention facilities, saying the National Security Council had directed that all suspects arrested by security agencies must be held strictly in gazetted places of detention, in accordance with Articles 23 and 28 of the 1995 Constitution, as amended.

The provisions safeguard personal liberty and the right to a fair hearing.

On murder trials and police bonds, Kamuntu said the Uganda Police Force would work with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary to expedite murder trials while discouraging unnecessary police bonds and court bails.

However, several legislators, including members of the opposition, welcomed government’s commitment to addressing insecurity but raised concerns over what they described as gaps in the implementation of security measures.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, acknowledged the government’s commitment but urged the Minister to apologise for previous cases of illegal detention in ungazetted facilities.

Shadow Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Denes Sekabira, meanwhile, highlighted funding gaps affecting community policing, calling for increased support to strengthen security at the grassroots.

The debate took place during the 15th sitting of the 12th Parliament.