Kampala/Johannesburg — Lawyers representing two South Africans who were arrested at Entebbe Airport on terrorism suspicions last week have petitioned Court seeking orders compelling the commanding officer of the Joint Anti Terrorism Task Force to produce them before Court immediately.

The lawyers from Muwema and Mugerwa Advocates yesterday filed an application before the High Court claiming Mufti Hussain Bhayat and Mr Haroon Saley, who were arrested on August 17, have not been produced before any court of law.

The application is supported by the affidavit of Mr Yiga Roscoe, a city lawyer, who states that suspects were arrested by the Joint Anti Terrorism Task Force (JATF) as they landed at the airport and have since been detained and denied communication in unknown places thereby depriving them of their right to personal liberty as guaranteed in the Constitution.

"The suspects were arrested on alleged charges of terrorism, they were detained at various ungazzetted places known as safe houses by the head of the JATF and to date they have not been produced in any court to answer any charges, therefore their continued detention is unlawful and unconstitutional," read part of Mr Yiga's affidavit.

The Application is set for hearing before Justice John Bosco Katusi this Friday. Army spokesman Paddy Ankunda said last week security had interest in them and picked them up. Meanwhile, their lawyer said authorities believe the pair may not be suspected terrorists.

Attorney Yousha Tayob, told Talk Radio 702 Eyewitness News in South Africa yesterday, that his clients were merely assisting Ugandan authorities with a different kind of investigation but not terrorism.

But Maj. Ankunda described Mr Tayob's comments as mere speculation. He also denied reports in Johannesburg that the two men could be released anytime.

South Africa's High Commissioner to Uganda, Mr Henry Chiliza said he visited the two on Monday and found them in good health.