As Uganda marks 64 years of independence, security agencies have been urged to respect human rights and treat opposition supporters equally, regardless of their political affiliation.

The call was made by former Nansana Division Mayor Isaac Keith Ssali during a press conference at the National Unity Platform (NUP) headquarters in Kavule, Kampala, where three party members were welcomed back following their release from prison after spending one and a half years in detention.

Ssali accused security agencies of carrying out what he described as illegal arrests and holding opposition supporters incommunicado.

He also raised concerns about opposition members being kept on remand in prison facilities for years without clear explanations for their continued detention.

Meanwhile, Mugumya Gaddafi, popularly known as General Gaddafi, one of the recently released NUP members, condemned the alleged mistreatment of opposition supporters by security forces.

He said such actions were intended to intimidate opposition members but argued that, instead, they strengthened their determination to stand up for their rights and freedoms.

Gaddafi also cautioned youths in urban informal settlements, commonly referred to as ghetto youths, against accepting money to harm their fellow citizens.

He urged them not to allow themselves to be used to target others for personal or financial gain.

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