The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has demanded the return of exiled political activist Fred Kajubi Lumbuye to Uganda, where the group says he should answer criminal charges against him.

PLU members made the demand during a demonstration at the Turkish Embassy in Kampala, protesting Lumbuye’s continued stay in Turkey.

The protesters were led by PLU Secretary General Hon. Twalla Fadil, who said the demonstration was specifically focused on Lumbuye and his alleged activities against Uganda.

“Today was about Lumbuye. You can’t attack our country, which is very peaceful, from Turkey. We want him to come back to Uganda to answer the criminal charges against him,” Twalla said.

The protesters said Lumbuye should return to Uganda and face the allegations through the country’s legal system.

PLU argued that Lumbuye should not use his stay in Turkey as a platform to continue making statements and publishing content that the group considers harmful to Uganda.

Twalla called on Turkish authorities to cooperate with Uganda over Lumbuye’s case.

He said Uganda and Turkey have established diplomatic relations and cooperation, arguing that the two countries should work together in addressing the matter.

“We asked them to extradite Lumbuye as soon as possible if they truly value our bilateral relations with them and respect our sovereignty,” Twalla said.

The demonstration began at Lugogo Cricket Oval before the protesters proceeded towards the Turkish Embassy in Kololo.

The group carried placards and messages calling for Lumbuye’s return to Uganda.

The protest followed earlier statements by PLU chairman Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba concerning Lumbuye and his continued presence in Turkey.

Muhoozi has previously accused Lumbuye of causing concern among Ugandan government and security officials through his online activities.

Lumbuye, who has lived in Turkey for several years, has continued to comment on Ugandan political developments through his social media platforms.

Ugandan authorities have previously accused him of various offences, while Lumbuye has continued to present himself as a critic of the government.

PLU officials said their protest was directed at the issue surrounding Lumbuye and not at Turkish citizens or Turkey as a country.

The group also called on Turkish authorities to consider Uganda’s request concerning the activist.

The demonstration adds to growing public attention surrounding Lumbuye’s status in Turkey and the demands for his return.

Lumbuye has previously said he fears being returned to Uganda and has appealed to people with diplomatic connections to assist him.

The dispute has consequently developed into an issue involving political activism, criminal allegations and diplomatic relations between Uganda and Turkey.

For now, PLU maintains that it wants Fred Lumbuye brought back to Uganda so that he can face the criminal charges and respond to the allegations against him through the appropriate legal process.