Journalist Robert Nestroy Kayongo has warned that Uganda's current pressure on Turkey over government critic Fred Kajubi Lumbuye could eventually be mirrored against members of the country's present political establishment.
Kayongo made the remarks after supporters of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) marched to the Turkish Embassy in Kampala demanding that Turkey hand over Lumbuye to Ugandan authorities.
The September 18 demonstration, led by PLU Secretary General Fadil Twalla, followed an earlier directive from PLU chairman Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The protesters accused Turkey of harbouring Lumbuye, who has been living there and is reportedly seeking asylum.
Kayongo said the dispute illustrated how political circumstances can change when governments and leaders leave office.
"One of the most interesting things about politics is how quickly the tables can turn," Kayongo said.
He argued that a future Ugandan government could potentially find itself asking another country to surrender members of the current political establishment or their associates if they sought refuge abroad after a change of government.
"Today, the Government of the Republic of Uganda is putting pressure on Turkey to hand over Lumbuye Fred who is seeking asylum there. But there may come a time when President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is no longer in power and a new government in Uganda begins asking another country where members of his family, former officials or close associates have sought refuge to present them to face questions over their conduct while in power," he said.
Kayongo said the international mechanisms being invoked in the Lumbuye case could therefore have implications beyond the current dispute.
"The same international pressure and mechanisms being used today could in the future be turned in the opposite direction," he stated, adding that a future administration could choose to pursue accountability through legal, diplomatic and established international procedures.
His comments come as PLU maintains pressure on Ankara to facilitate Lumbuye's return to Uganda. The group has accused the blogger of offences including incitement and cyber-related crimes, allegations that remain subject to legal processes.
Kayongo also separated his position on Lumbuye's political activities from his argument concerning asylum and legal protection.
"I am not one of Lumbuye Fred Kajjubi OFFICIAL's followers nor am I particularly interested in his content. But beyond politics and personal opinions, he is a human being who deserves protection under international law," he said.
He called for Lumbuye's rights and safety to be respected while any legal or asylum proceedings are handled.
"Any Ugandan of sound mind should be able to stand for the principle that asylum seekers must be treated in accordance with international law and due process," Kayongo said.
He concluded by stressing that political power is not permanent and that decisions made today can acquire a different meaning when circumstances change.
"It is all about time. Just give it time," he said.