The family of Busia Municipality parliamentary candidate Samuel Mugeni Makokha has called for his release, saying his detention has disrupted his campaign and caused distress among supporters.
Makokha, nominated on the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) ticket, is held at Luzira Prison on alleged treason-related charges, including misprision of treason. He was remanded on December 9 over alleged links to opposition strongman Dr Kizza Besigye’s ongoing treason case.
‘His arrest does not prevent him from contesting the Busia Municipality parliamentary seat,’ said Michael Mugeni, Makokha’s father and former mayor of Busia. He described his son as ‘innocent’ and appealed to President Museveni and security officials ‘to show mercy.’
Makokha was intercepted by security at Entebbe last month while traveling to Ethiopia, after having been previously arrested in Kisumu, Kenya, in 2024 alongside 36 other opposition supporters and later released.
Makokha had promised to address healthcare challenges in the district, highlighting gaps in medical equipment and personnel.
‘Health facilities lack essential equipment and personnel. Leaders only act when tragedies occur. I will advocate for improved health services in Parliament if elected,’ he said prior to his detention.
The candidate’s elder sister, Christine Nabwire Mugeni, said the detention pains the family and affects his campaign.
‘Some voters worry about his release, but we believe he is innocent and a victim of a political witch hunt,’ she said.
Despite Makokha’s imprisonment, campaign activities continue at his home in Mawero East B Village, where supporters gather daily.
‘Makokha is going to be like Nelson Mandela; voters are ready to elect him even in prison,’ Rajab Kisembo Babu, chairman of his campaign, told Monitor early this week, citing his message on border businesses and youth employment.
Support for the candidate is evident across the municipality. Local artists have composed songs and posters depicting Makokha in handcuffs, calling for his release.
Felix Mande, an LC3 candidate for Western Division, claimed that over 20,000 voters remain committed to supporting him.
Even other opposition figures have rallied behind Makokha. ‘I am a member of the NUP, but we are here to vote for Makokha because this is how his freedom can be secured,’ said Haruna Abbas, NUP candidate for Eastern Division.
‘Parliament will push for his release once he is elected,’ he added.
Makokha’s supporters argue that his vision and discipline make him the right candidate for Busia Municipality.
Lulume Bayiga, MP for Buikwe, said the government targeted him because of his dedication to the electorate while Philip Wafula Oguttu, the former MP for Bukhooli County Central, described him as ‘a young, disciplined, and brilliant man, ready to give a voice to the people of Busia, long underrepresented in Parliament.’
Commenting on the broader case involving the candidate, Museveni, through Parliament Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, recently stated that ‘Continued detention of suspects based solely on alleged offenses that can only be determined by a court of law.’
By press time, the Presidency was yet to respond on the latest family appeal.
Background
Makokha, 46, faces charges linked to an investigation involving opposition leader Col (Rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye, who is also charged with treason for alleged plots to overthrow the government between 2023 and 2024. Treason in Uganda carries the death penalty.