Bobi Wine Responds to Confessions from His Supporters

A group of 19 of the original 32 political prisoners associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP) has reportedly pleaded guilty to crimes they did not commit, following nearly four years of detention without trial. The information was disclosed by NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who claimed that the prisoners succumbed to coercion from the Ugandan government.

According to Bobi Wine, government officials, including Minister Balaam, visited the prisoners on a non-visitation day and pressured them to confess and seek forgiveness from President Museveni. He highlighted that while their legal team had been blocked from visiting them, regime operatives had unrestricted access to influence their decisions.

Bobi Wine criticized the government’s handling of these political prisoners, emphasizing the lengthy period they have spent in detention without any evidence being presented against them. He stated that the political nature of their case was made clear by the regime’s actions and that the prisoners were forced to abandon their original legal representation and accept military lawyers instead.

In light of the recent confessions, some prisoners expressed their frustration and accused Bobi Wine of using their plight for his political gain. Sanya Muhydin Kakooza, also known as Musayi Gwa Bobi, publicly requested that the President reconsider their cases, suggesting that Bobi Wine was exploiting their situation for financial benefit. “We are sorry,” he stated, asserting that none of the accused wished to disrupt peace again in Uganda.

The group, which includes notable figures like Olivia Lutaya and Rashid Ssegujja, confessed to charges of treachery and unlawful possession of ammunition. These charges stem from their alleged involvement with a group called ‘Bali Bali,’ which purportedly sought to overthrow the Ugandan government using explosives. The charges fall under sections of the UPDF Act and the Firearms Act, which carry severe penalties, including the possibility of a death sentence.

Following their confessions, the group awaits further legal proceedings, with the prosecution expected to present brief facts related to the case on October 21, 2024. Despite the confessions of some, 14 co-accused individuals maintain their innocence and will continue to face trial. Bobi Wine acknowledged the courage of those who refused to plead guilty, affirming their right to seek a fair trial.

In previous court sessions, three of the original suspects had already been convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, though mitigating factors led to their sentences being reduced. These developments raise questions about the conditions under which confessions were obtained.

Table: Key Facts of the NUP Supporters’ Case

The case of the NUP supporters remains a focal point in discussions about political freedoms and the rights of detainees in Uganda.