Yesterday, at the court martial, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Bobi Young, revealed how he faced pressure to implicate NUP leaders. He stated that this coercion tactic was commonly employed by regime security agencies when they abduct and torture NUP members. Despite the pressure, Bobi Young refused to succumb to offers of money and ‘freedom’. Consequently, he was charged with ‘unauthorized use of military uniform’ and remanded to Luzira prison. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 7th.
This situation underscores a prevailing impunity despite court rulings that nullify the trial of civilians before military courts. The National Unity Platform is the largest opposition party in the country, with its president, Bobi Wine, having secured 35 percent of the vote in the 2021 general elections. However, the party faced hindrances during the election, including actions by state forces such as internet shutdowns that undermined transparency. The election itself was marred by violence, including killings, arrests of campaigners and civil society groups, and intimidation by security forces. Additionally, Ugandan authorities shut down internet networks across most of the country during this period. The voter turnout was 57%, marking the lowest since Museveni assumed office.
Rubongoya David, the party secretary, provided an update on Bobi Young’s situation, stating that despite the challenges, Bobi Young remained strong. He recounted how Bobi Young resisted attempts to implicate NUP leaders in various crimes in exchange for freedom and monetary favors. After nearly two weeks of being held incommunicado under custody of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Bobi Young was brought before the military court and charged.
