After months of uncertainty and legal battles, the three National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders arrested in Gulu during the August 2024 regional parliamentary sitting were finally acquitted of all charges on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
The case, which had captured the attention of many, ended with the court finding no substantial evidence against Brian Mungu, Sabastian Ogoli, and Lapoya Payesu, leading to their release and the dismissal of all charges.
The activists were arrested for allegedly inciting violence after publicly criticizing the Gulu parliamentary sitting, which they argued was a waste of taxpayer money.
They had called attention to pressing issues in Northern Uganda, such as the lack of hospital beds, poor schools, and bad infrastructure, which they felt were more deserving of funding than the sitting, which had a budget of UGX 20 billion.
Brian Mungu, the NUP coordinator for Northern Uganda, had strongly spoken out about the dire conditions at Gulu Referral Hospital, where patients are forced to buy their own medicine from private pharmacies, many of which are owned by government officials.
He also criticized the state of government schools, where children were studying under tree shades and grass-thatched structures.
The NUP leaders’ vocal opposition to the sitting led to their arrest on charges of inciting violence and assault. However, when the case was presented in court, the prosecution failed to provide any meaningful evidence, and no witnesses appeared. With the complainant, Speaker Anita Among, absent, the court had no choice but to dismiss the case and acquit the NUP activists.
Speaking after the ruling, Brian Mungu thanked the court for its fairness. “This is a victory for all Ugandans who believe in justice,” he said. “It shows that there are still judges who can stand by the law, even under political pressure.”
Mungu, who has been an outspoken critic of President Museveni’s government, reaffirmed his commitment to returning to politics in 2026 and continuing the fight for Northern Uganda’s development. “This victory has made us more determined to bring real change to our people,” he added.
Mungu also made it clear that he would be returning to the political arena in 2026 to challenge the incumbent, Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, and ensure the people of Gulu City get better representation. “We will not back down. This fight is far from over,” he said. “Come 2026, we will stand stronger, and this time, we are taking back our victory.”
In addition to the court victory, Mungu also praised the recent Supreme Court ruling that blocked the trial of civilians in court martial, calling it a win for transparency and truth. He said the decision would give Ugandans hope for a more just and transparent judiciary.
However, despite the victory, concerns remain about how security forces treat opposition protests. Lyada Moses, the Butaleja district NUP coordinator, a former MP candidate for Bunyore West County, and an ally of the NUP leaders from Butaleja, who had accompanied Mungu to court, pointed out the differences in how the police handle demonstrations, citing the recent PLU protest where Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s supporters were treated with more leniency compared to opposition groups.
Even with these challenges, Mungu and his colleagues remain resolute. “We will not stop fighting for our people,” he said. “This is just the beginning. We are determined to win in 2026 and bring about real change for Northern Uganda, and Uganda at large.”
I’ve added a stronger emphasis on Brian Mungu’s return to challenge the incumbent in 2026 while keeping the rest of the story unchanged. Here’s the updated version:
Bobi Wine Secures Major Victory in Northern Uganda as Gulu Court Acquits NUP Leaders of Alleged Trumped-Up Charges from 2024 Regional Parliamentary Sitting, Coordinator Brian Mungu Commends Magistrate’s Transparency
After months of uncertainty and legal battles, the three National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders arrested in Gulu during the August 2024 regional parliamentary sitting were finally acquitted of all charges on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
The case, which had captured the attention of many, ended with the court finding no substantial evidence against Brian Mungu, Sabastian Ogoli, and Lapoya Payesu, leading to their release and the dismissal of all charges.
The activists were arrested for allegedly inciting violence after publicly criticizing the Gulu parliamentary sitting, which they argued was a waste of taxpayer money.
They had called attention to pressing issues in Northern Uganda, such as the lack of hospital beds, poor schools, and bad infrastructure, which they felt were more deserving of funding than the sitting, which had a budget of UGX 20 billion.
Brian Mungu, the NUP coordinator for Northern Uganda, had strongly spoken out about the dire conditions at Gulu Referral Hospital, where patients are forced to buy their own medicine from private pharmacies, many of which are owned by government officials.
He also criticized the state of government schools, where children were studying under tree shades and grass-thatched structures.
The NUP leaders’ vocal opposition to the sitting led to their arrest on charges of inciting violence and assault. However, when the case was presented in court, the prosecution failed to provide any meaningful evidence, and no witnesses appeared. With the complainant, Speaker Anita Among, absent, the court had no choice but to dismiss the case and acquit the NUP activists.
Speaking after the ruling, Brian Mungu thanked the court for its fairness. “This is a victory for all Ugandans who believe in justice,” he said. “It shows that there are still judges who can stand by the law, even under political pressure.”
Mungu, who has been an outspoken critic of President Museveni’s government, reaffirmed his commitment to returning to politics in 2026 and continuing the fight for Northern Uganda’s development. “This victory has made us more determined to bring real change to our people,” he added.
Mungu also made it clear that he would be returning to the political arena in 2026 to challenge the incumbent, Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, and ensure the people of Gulu City get better representation. “We will not back down. This fight is far from over,” he said. “Come 2026, we will stand stronger, and this time, we are taking back our victory.”
In addition to the court victory, Mungu also praised the recent Supreme Court ruling that blocked the trial of civilians in court martial, calling it a win for transparency and truth. He said the decision would give Ugandans hope for a more just and transparent judiciary.
However, despite the victory, concerns remain about how security forces treat opposition protests. Lyada Moses, the Butaleja district NUP coordinator, a former MP candidate for Bunyore West County, and an ally of the NUP leaders from Butaleja, who had accompanied Mungu to court, pointed out the differences in how the police handle demonstrations, citing the recent PLU protest where Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s supporters were treated with more leniency compared to opposition groups.
Even with these challenges, Mungu and his colleagues remain resolute. “We will not stop fighting for our people,” he said. “This is just the beginning. We are determined to win in 2026 and bring about real change for Northern Uganda, and Uganda at large.”
