By Mariam Nanyanzi Kyagulanyi
Justice Minister and also Democratic Party President Norbert Mao has rejected calls by opposition leaders for the unconditional release of political detainees and the return of Ugandans living in exile to be made preconditions for the proposed national dialogue, arguing that the issues should instead be discussed at the negotiating table.
Mao said making the release of detained political actors a condition for participation could frustrate efforts to bring the government and opposition together to discuss political reforms and the country’s future.
He was speaking at the conclusion of a two-day retreat for political party leaders organised by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) at Crested Crane Hotel in Jinja City.
During the retreat, opposition leaders demanded the release of individuals detained over politically related cases and the unconditional return of political actors living in exile before substantive negotiations could begin.