Kampala, Uganda – The National Unity Platform (NUP) has expressed support for political prisoners who pleaded guilty in a military court to secure their release, despite the party leadership disagreeing with their decision.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, made the announcement during a media briefing at the party headquarters in Kampala on October 21, 2024. Kyagulanyi alleged that many political prisoners were coerced into pleading guilty after prolonged detentions took a toll on their mental and physical well-being.
“We stand with our comrades who have been forced to plead guilty under duress,” Kyagulanyi said. “Their decision does not diminish their struggle for freedom and justice.”
The NUP leader specifically highlighted the case of Olivia Lutaaya, who he claimed was forced to plead guilty in exchange for her freedom from military detention. Kyagulanyi also accused State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, of pressuring prisoners to plead guilty and seek forgiveness from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
However, Barugahara denied these accusations, stating that the prisoners admitted their guilt voluntarily.
Kyagulanyi also addressed accusations that National Unity Platform leadership exploits political prisoners for financial gain, saying, “Let all these prisoners be released and also the party’s financial avenues get blocked.”
According to NUP Secretary General David Lewis Lubongoya, 16 prisoners have pleaded guilty and sought forgiveness from President Museveni, while others maintain their not-guilty pleas.
The NUP has urged 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.
