Kampala — Three UPDF soldiers from the Second Division in Mbarara are protesting long detention in civilian cells without trial.

The soldiers, who are facing desertion charges, claim they have been on remand at Mbarara Central Prison for more than seven years without trial.

Daily Monitor has seen written complaints by the suspects, smuggled out of prison, claiming that the trio were arrested in Kampala and taken to the Mbarara cells between 2002 and 2004 but up to date, they have not been tried.

"We are soldiers who have been on remand for a period ranging from one and half to eight years. Moreover, we have been struck from the pay roll," the letter reads in part.

According to the Constitution, suspects are not supposed to be remanded for beyond 180 days.

But privates, Emmy Namanya and Moses Kireri, have been incarcerated since 2004, while Yason Babishanga was arrested in 2002.

However, the division's Spokesperson, Capt. Kamala, said he was not aware of the soldiers being detained in civilian cells in Mbarara.

" I am not aware. But if they are there, then, they must be convicts," he said.