A proposal by Mr. Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Youths and Children Affairs, to compile a list of incarcerated National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters for potential presidential pardon has sparked a debate among legislators and party leaders.
During his inaugural speech in Parliament, Mr. Barugahara criticized the NUP leadership, specifically Leader of Opposition (LoP) Mr. Joel Ssenyonyi, for not furnishing him with the requested list of detained supporters.
In response, Mr. Ssenyonyi, though initially critical of Mr. Barugahara’s approach, eventually submitted the lists of both missing and imprisoned NUP members to Parliament.
However, some legislators, like Mr. Barnabas Tinkasimire, questioned the legality of Mr. Barugahara’s request, suggesting that legal processes should be allowed to run their course for individuals facing charges.
Meanwhile, NUP president Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) distanced himself from a party member’s appeal to President Museveni for the release of detained supporters. He reiterated that NUP members should not seek presidential pardon, as they are being prosecuted for their political beliefs.
In response to these developments, Bugabula South legislator Mr. Maurice Kibalya accused the NUP leadership of politicizing the issue and hindering efforts by individuals, regardless of their political affiliation, to assist detained supporters.
The debate continues as various stakeholders weigh in on the best approach to address the plight of detained NUP supporters while upholding legal procedures and avoiding political tensions.