By Jumah Kakomo
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has voiced its support for political prisoners who pleaded guilty in a military court to secure their release, although the party leadership disagrees with their decision. This revelation was made by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, during a media briefing at the party headquarters in Kampala on October 21, 2024.
Kyagulanyi asserted that many of these individuals were coerced into their guilty pleas after enduring prolonged detentions, which took a toll on their mental and physical well-being. He highlighted Olivia Lutaaya as a notable example, alleging she was forced to plead guilty in exchange for her freedom from military detention.
The NUP leader has accused State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, of pressuring the prisoners to plead guilty and seek forgiveness from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Kyagulanyi claimed that Barugahara threatened them with life imprisonment if they refused. However, Barugahara has denied these accusations, asserting that the prisoners admitted their guilt voluntarily.
In his address, Kyagulanyi urged the public to pray for those who maintained their not-guilty pleas while welcoming those who chose to plead guilty, emphasizing that none had committed any actual offense. He also addressed accusations that the NUP exploits political prisoners for financial gain, asserting, “Let all these prisoners be released and also the party’s financial avenues get blocked.”
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Lubongoya reported that 16 prisoners had pleaded guilty and sought forgiveness from President Museveni, while others continue to maintain their not-guilty pleas. He encouraged the public to engage in the national identification registration exercise ahead of the 2026 general elections, framing it as a crucial step toward the country’s liberation.
NUP spokesperson and Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi urged party supporters to remain steadfast and determined, stating, “Hard work pays.”
