Odrek Rwabwogo, the Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), has urged Uganda’s security agencies to ensure that all arrests are conducted in accordance with the Constitution and established legal procedures.
Rwabwogo said every Ugandan has a right to enjoy constitutional freedoms, including the freedom to express lawful opinions, and warned that unlawful arrests can weaken public confidence in state institutions.
The presidential adviser made the remarks while addressing journalists and local leaders from Western Uganda during a workshop on Regional Aggregation Centres (RACs) and their role in promoting export-led industrialisation.
The meeting was held at Kamu Farm Country Resort in Nyakisharara, Mbarara City, where Rwabwogo discussed the importance of strengthening Uganda’s economic transformation while also protecting citizens’ rights.
He said the Constitution guarantees equal protection for all Ugandans and requires security agencies to follow proper procedures whenever they carry out arrests.
According to Rwabwogo, no person should be detained without lawful authority, and every citizen deserves to be treated fairly regardless of their political views, background or social status.
He emphasized that respect for legal procedures is important because it strengthens trust between citizens and government institutions.
Rwabwogo warned that officials who misuse their authority and carry out unlawful arrests should remember that accountability remains a key principle of governance.
He said holding public office does not permanently shield anyone from answering for actions taken while exercising state authority.
“Those who abuse authority should remember that accountability remains part of governance,” Rwabwogo said, stressing that the rule of law must apply to everyone.
He further cautioned that Uganda should avoid returning to periods in its history that were characterised by political violence, injustice and violations of citizens’ rights.
According to him, lasting peace and national development can only be achieved when leaders and security agencies operate within the limits of the law.
Rwabwogo said Uganda’s progress depends not only on economic growth but also on ensuring that citizens feel protected and respected by institutions created to serve them.
On freedom of expression, he said every Ugandan has a constitutional right to share lawful opinions without fear of intimidation or punishment.
He noted that people should not be arrested simply because they express views that may be unpopular or critical, provided those views remain within the boundaries of the law.
However, he added that where there is evidence of criminal conduct, authorities have a responsibility to act through proper legal channels.
Rwabwogo also condemned arrests that are based on a person’s region, ethnicity or political affiliation, saying such actions damage national unity.
He urged security agencies to ensure that all enforcement actions are guided by evidence, fairness and respect for human rights.
The PACEID chairperson revealed that he has been documenting what he described as cases of unlawful arrests across different parts of Uganda.
He said the records could become useful in future efforts aimed at promoting accountability and ensuring that justice is served through lawful processes.
Rwabwogo concluded by reminding leaders, security personnel and public officials that the Constitution remains the foundation of Uganda’s governance system.
He said respecting citizens’ rights and following lawful procedures is essential for strengthening democracy, maintaining stability and building confidence in national institutions.
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