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Families of 10 Ugandan nationals detained in Zambia have appealed to the Ugandan government to intervene urgently, saying their relatives had been held at Kamwala Remand Prison in Lusaka since Aug. 6 without being charged or appearing in court.
The appeal, written by Clinton Akandwanaho on behalf of the families and addressed to Ugandan government ministers, said the group was intercepted after arriving at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Aug. 6.
The families said they had received no formal explanation from Zambian airport or immigration authorities for the detention and that the detainees had not been informed of any charges.
“We earnestly implore the Ministry to use its diplomatic channels to engage Zambian authorities, ensure consular access, and secure their immediate release or a prompt, lawful hearing before a court,” Akandwanaho said.
Those named in the appeal include Agaba Jordan, Twineomugisha Edson, Kasolo Jafaali, Ssegujja Joseph, Musiimenta Felex and Mugema Ratib.
The families said the travellers had valid travel documents, return Ethiopian Airlines tickets and hotel reservations at Carousel Hotel in Lusaka for Aug. 6 to 14.
They said they had also provided booking references and passport details to Ugandan authorities for verification.
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The families alleged that the detainees had suffered psychological distress during the prolonged detention and expressed frustration over repeated assurances from local legal counsel that had not resulted in a court appearance.
“We possess direct audio recordings from our detained family members as well as recordings of their lawyer discussing this ongoing situation, which we are ready to share to substantiate these claims,” the appeal stated.
The families called on the Ugandan government to establish the circumstances surrounding the detention, secure consular access and determine whether any charges had been filed against the 10 nationals.
They also urged Zambian authorities to either release the Ugandan nationals or present them before a court without further delay.
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