Uganda detains 62 Nigerians, denies legal access: Lawyer

A troubling situation is unfolding in Uganda, where 62 Nigerian nationals, identified as members of the Christian missionary group Life Mission, find themselves detained by immigration authorities. The official reason cited is the alleged illegal operation of churches. However, the core of the concern, as reported by PUNCH Metro, lies in the alleged denial of these detainees' access to legal counsel, a fundamental right.

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I arrived at the detention facility in Namawme, a large compound with a high fence and a locked gate. After introducing myself as a lawyer acting on instructions, I was refused access and directed to return to Kampala to obtain permission from senior officials.

Michael ChristisKing, the executive director of the Life Mission group, asserts that the detainees are Christian missionaries involved in long-term humanitarian outreach. He claims the organization followed all due processes for entering Uganda, securing necessary invitations and approvals from various government bodies, including the Office of the Prime Minister and the Commissioner for Refugees. This narrative paints a picture of legitimate missionary work being met with arbitrary detention and obstruction.

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I pleaded with the officer to allow me at least a one-on-one interaction with any of the detainees to assess their well-being, but he declined, saying granting such access could jeopardise his job.

The situation is further exacerbated by the reported denial of legal access. Israel Mivule, a Ugandan lawyer hired by the mission group, recounted his experience of being refused entry to the detention facility. He was directed to seek permission from senior officials in Kampala, and his pleas to simply assess the detainees' well-being were rejected. Mivule emphasized that this denial constitutes a clear breach of Uganda's constitutional provisions, which guarantee the right to legal representation and fair hearing. The detainees, he observed, are visible within the facility but are completely cut off from communication, infringing upon their basic freedoms.

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As a lawyer, I emphasised that detainees have the right to legal representation and a fair hearing. Under Articles 50 and 51, they have the right to access their lawyers at any time. Denying them that access is a violation of their rights.

From a Nigerian perspective, this incident raises serious concerns about the treatment of its citizens abroad and the potential for diplomatic friction. The allegations of illegal church operations seem at odds with the missionaries' claims of lawful entry and humanitarian service. The denial of legal access, if proven true, is a grave matter that warrants immediate attention and intervention to ensure the rights of the detained Nigerians are upheld. This situation underscores the importance of upholding due process and the rule of law, regardless of nationality or the nature of one's activities within a foreign country.

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From where I stood, I could see them moving around, but they had no access to communication devices such as mobile phones. Preventing them from communicating with their lawyers or even family members infringes on their fundamental freedoms.