Human rights activist and prominent lawyer Sam Muyizzi Mulindwa has clarified that his involvement in representing National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters in court is not a personal choice but a responsibility he assumed.
"The party didn't choose me to handle all these cases; I found myself in that position. In law, court procedures are different from politics. I don't need to know you personally when representing you, and the public does not need to know me," he said.
Speaking to Canary Mugume on NBS Face Off on Sunday, Muyizzi emphasized that his focus is on Uganda as a whole, rather than individual political figures.
"When representing the party, I am not looking at Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi; I am looking at Uganda. NUP is the structure I believe can help create a better nation," he explained.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
On the nature of his legal work, Muyizzi stressed that his commitment is to human rights, not individual identities.
"When I am in court, I focus on human rights. If a person has been unlawfully arrested, I do not consider names--human rights focus on actions. Since the nomination period, I have represented more than 500 people, and about 1,000 others have been detained," he noted.
Muyizzi reiterated that his work is carried out on behalf of Ugandans through NUP.
"I am working on behalf of Ugandans, and this responsibility comes through NUP, under whose activities these people were detained. As the lead lawyer for NUP, I feel obliged to represent anyone arrested at our events," he said.
He also highlighted the importance of the legal desk in political parties.
"In a political party, there is a legal desk. If the desk appoints me to lead, that means the party has chosen me to lead," Muyizzi said.
Reflecting on Uganda's evolving political landscape, Muyizzi acknowledged NUP's adaptation to changing times and its appeal to a youthful population.
"NUP largely consists of individuals who came from the Democratic Party. We elevated Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi during that era, believing Uganda needed a revolution," he said.
He added, "Many things that would not function under the DP system are now effective under NUP because of the change in times. Our youthful population believes in the leadership and campaign style of Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi."
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
