A group of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, currently in detention, have made serious accusations against their party president, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. The group claims that Bobi Wine used them to advance his political ambitions, leading them to engage in unlawful activities.
The suspects, who have admitted to being part of a rebel group known as “Bali Bali,” say they were involved in a plot to overthrow the government. This plan allegedly included the possession of 30 bombs. However, following their confession, the suspects asked for forgiveness from the government, distancing themselves from their previous actions and blaming Kyagulanyi for their involvement.
One of the suspects, Sanya Muhydin Kakooza, also known as Musayi Gwa Bobi, expressed his frustration with Bobi Wine. “We are sorry,” he said as he was being led into a military police vehicle to return to Luzira Prison. “The man (Kyagulanyi) uses our case to earn money. I advise Kyagulanyi to go back to the stage; he cannot lead this country.”
The suspects were adamant that they had not been forced to confess, saying that none of them intended to disrupt peace in Uganda again. They also urged the president to consider their case for leniency.
Kakooza is one of 15 suspects who, on October 15, 2024, confessed to charges of treachery and unlawful possession of ammunition. These offenses are punishable under sections of the UPDF Act, 2005, and the Firearms Act, Cap 299. Depending on the charge, the suspects could face a death sentence or up to ten years in prison if convicted.
Kakooza’s co-accused include Olivia Lutaya, Rashid Ssegujja, Robert Rugumayo, Simon Kijambo, Abdu Matovu, Ronald Kijambo, Mesach Kiwanuka, Ibrahim Wandera, Asbert Nagwere, Steven Musakulu, Davis Mafabi, Livingstone Kigozi Katushabe, Swaibu Katabi, and Stanley Lwanga. All have admitted to the charges against them and now await the reading of the prosecution’s brief facts on October 21, 2024, before the General Court Martial (GCM) in Makindye, Kampala.
In response to these confessions, Bobi Wine took to social media, accusing the government of coercing the suspects into pleading guilty. On October 14, 2024, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that 19 of the original 32 accused individuals had been forced to confess after enduring nearly four years of detention without trial. He further alleged that the suspects had been visited by a government minister, Balaam, who pressured them to plead guilty and seek forgiveness from President Museveni.
Though a significant number of the accused have admitted to the charges, 14 individuals have maintained their innocence. These include Yasin Ssekitoleko, Ronald Mayiga, Patrick Mwase, Richard Nyombi, Sharif Kalanzi, Joseph Muwonge, Abdalla Kintu, Umar Emma Kato, Musa Kavuma, Jimmy Galukande, Kenneth Kamya, Sharif Matovu, Shafiq Ngobi, and Abdallah Hakim Gibusiwa. Bobi Wine praised these individuals for standing firm and refusing to plead guilty, stating that they continue to demand a fair trial or their freedom.
Bobi Wine expressed sympathy for those who had admitted guilt, understanding their desperation, but saluted those who continue to seek justice. “The day of justice is near,” he said, in a message that expressed hope for a fair outcome for his supporters.
The trial has seen nine prosecution witnesses testify so far, with more than 15 additional witnesses expected to give evidence. Earlier this month, three other suspects out of the original 32 were convicted and sentenced after they confessed to the charges. Paul Muwanguzi, Siraj Obali Mudebo, and Joseph Muganza were sentenced to five years in prison, although the court later reduced their sentence to four months and one day due to mitigating factors.
The defense team for the accused is led by Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa and Elizabeth Nyasingwa, while the prosecution is represented by Col. Raphael Mugisha, Captain Ambroz Guma, and Captain Gift Mubehamwe.
The prosecution alleges that between March and May 2021, in various parts of Kampala Metropolitan, Jinja, and Mbale, the accused and their group engaged in war-like activities aimed at destabilizing the government. These activities included the recruitment and training of individuals, as well as the unlawful detonation of explosive devices targeting motor vehicles and infrastructure. The devices, categorized as ammunition, are usually under the exclusive control of the Defence Forces.
As the trial continues, the suspects who have confessed to their involvement in these activities now await sentencing, while those maintaining their innocence will proceed with their defense.
Table: Key Details in the Bomb Plot Case
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March – May 2021 | Alleged period of war-like activities by the accused |
| November 2020 – May 2021 | Period during which the accused allegedly possessed explosives |
| October 15, 2024 | 15 suspects confess to charges of treachery |
| October 21, 2024 | Prosecution’s brief facts to be presented at the GCM |
The court is expected to continue hearing from witnesses and reviewing evidence before delivering its verdict on the remaining suspects.
