Last week, 19 NUP supporters, including the lone female suspect, Olivia Lutaaya, pleaded guilty to charges of treachery and illegal possession of explosive devices before the General Court Martial in Makindye. Three of the 19 have already been sentenced to four months and one day in prison.
Their guilty pleas come nearly four years after their initial arrest. These individuals have long been considered political prisoners for their strong support of Kyagulanyi, especially during his 2021 presidential campaign as NUP’s flag bearer. Up until last week, most of the prisoners had refused to plead guilty. However, 19 ultimately decided to enter guilty pleas, with some even appealing to President Museveni for intervention to secure their release.
Speaking at a press briefing at the NUP headquarters in Makerere, Kavule, Kyagulanyi acknowledged that some supporters might feel disappointed by their decision to plead guilty. However, he urged them to recognize the prisoners’ previous endurance and suffering in detention.
He noted that these individuals have endured years of pain, torture, and intimidation in prison, which likely influenced their decision to enter guilty pleas. Kyagulanyi also paid tribute to the prisoners who have refused to plead guilty to crimes they did not commit, cautioning that pleading guilty under pressure could have lasting negative consequences. He recognized that the immense pressure on those still in detention might eventually force them to yield but vowed to continue honouring their courage – whether they plead guilty or resist.
“I personally understand, and I believe most Ugandans understand. We know they are pressed from all angles, denied access to us, their leaders, who give them confidence and hope, while also facing pressure and coercion from prison officials and government operatives. I want to reassure our colleagues still in prison that we are standing with you,” Kyagulanyi stated.
He also welcomed the recent sanctions imposed on four Uganda Police Force commanders, accusing them of human rights violations. The U.S. Department of State recently announced sanctions against Bob Kagarura, Alex Mwine, Elly Womanya, and Hamdani Twesigye for their roles in abuses, particularly during the 2021 elections.
Kyagulanyi noted that while justice had been delayed, it had finally been served. He urged other security officers to learn from the sanctions imposed on their colleagues, warning that accountability would eventually catch up with them if they continued violating human rights.
NUP secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya claimed that the NRM government had coerced the prisoners into pleading guilty to avoid lawsuits. He pointed out that many had been on remand for four years without trial.
Rubongoya further alleged that the government was trying to prevent these prisoners from providing crucial evidence in NUP’s case against President Yoweri Museveni at the International Criminal Court (ICC). According to Rubongoya, the regime is aware that the prisoners could play a key role in the ICC case, which is why it pressured them into entering guilty pleas.
Although NUP has consistently campaigned for the release of these individuals, arguing that they were targeted for their political beliefs, the state maintains that only those involved in criminal activities remain in custody. The state claims that other NUP supporters arrested during and after the 2021 elections have already been released.
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