§ 12. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many political leaders are detained or restricted in Uganda; how many political parties they represent; and when it is proposed that they will be released.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThree political leaders have been deported from Buganda to other parts of Uganda. One other is restricted to a small area round his home. None of them is in prison. All four belong to different political parties. The relevant orders will be revoked when the authorities are satisfied that these people can be released without prejudicing law and order. Deportation orders are in force against seven, and restriction orders against 140 others, who were not in the category of political leaders.
The restriction orders will lapse when the districts in Buganda and the Bukedi District which are now officially disturbed areas return to normal.
§ Mr. StonehouseIs the Colonial Secretary aware that the details he has given reveal that all the political leaders of the major political parties are restricted or in detention? Is not that a rather extraordinary state of affairs? Is he not aware that when the Belgian Congo receives independence, in seven weeks' time, there will be a great increase of political awareness and political tension in Uganda? Will he arrange to release these political leaders and gain their co-operation?
§ Mr. MacleodNo. That must be a matter for the Governor who, of course, keeps these cases particularly under review. Although the three political leaders who have been deported from Buganda are all members of different parties, equally they were all ex-leaders of the Uganda National Movement, which was a banned movement.
§ Mr. DugdaleWhen does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate that Mr. Mulira is likely to be given his freedom and not be restricted any longer? Secondly, does the right hon. Gentleman realise that many people in this country have recently been protesting about 1241 restriction orders and detention orders made by the South African Government and that people in glass houses cannot cast stones?
§ Mr. MacleodMr. Mulira's case, like any other, is reviewed by and is a matter for the Governor. The second part of the right hon. Member's supplementary question is a sort of Mad Hatter observation. To compare the restrictions in these cases, which arise out of a boycott which has brought great misery to perfectly innocent people in Uganda, with what is happening in other countries betrays a sad appreciation of the situation in Uganda.