NUP Accuses Regime of Persecution Through Military Court Trials
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has issued a statement addressing inquiries regarding the charges leveled against Olivia Lutaaya and several others. The statement sheds light on the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention, and subsequent legal proceedings.
Initially, Lutaaya and others were apprehended from various locations, with initial interrogations focusing on their association with wearing red berets. Subsequently, the police claimed they were detained for attempting to protest against the inauguration of Gen. Museveni. During their over three-month-long detention, they were reportedly held incommunicado, subjected to alleged torture and mistreatment.
Upon their appearance before the Military Court, the charges brought against them centered on the alleged unlawful possession of “13 pieces ammunition.” It’s noted that many of the accused individuals had no prior acquaintance and were apprehended from disparate areas, including Kampala, Jinja, Wakiso, and Mbale. This situation draws parallels to previous cases, such as that of Nubian Li and Eddie Mutwe, where individuals faced extended detention based on questionable charges.
Despite the prolonged detention, the trial faced significant delays due to the lack of evidence. Legal representatives repeatedly requested disclosure of evidence, to no avail. Two years later, the charge sheet was amended to include the offense of ‘treachery,’ alleging involvement in war-like activities as part of a group called Bali-Bali, despite many individuals’ lack of association with each other or the group.
During the trial proceedings, attempts to identify the accused were reportedly unsuccessful, leading to concerns about the legitimacy of the charges. The absence of media and family members during the trial further raises questions about transparency.
Moreover, the Constitutional Court has ruled against the trial of civilians in military courts, a stance reiterated in multiple judgments. However, these rulings appear to have been disregarded, exacerbating concerns about due process.
In light of the apparent lack of evidence, the state has purportedly attempted to persuade the accused individuals to plead guilty, offering incentives such as monetary rewards and housing. Allegations have also been made regarding attempts to implicate NUP leader @HEBobiwine in the alleged activities.
NUP’s legal team has called for transparency in plea bargaining discussions, yet the state has reportedly evaded this request while continuing to harass the accused. The statement concludes by highlighting the ordeal faced by these individuals as emblematic of persecution disguised as prosecution.
