The General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala, on October 23, 2024 has sentenced 16 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters to five years in prison for charges of treachery and unlawful possession of explosives. This ruling follows a prolonged legal process that began nearly four years ago.
The court imposed a five-year prison sentence on the accused. However, given the three years and eight months they had already spent in detention awaiting trial, the sentence was significantly reduced.
This means that the remaining time they will serve is only three months and 22 days. This consideration reflected the court’s recognition of the prolonged period the accused had already spent on remand.
In addition to the main sentence, the court issued a caution against the convicts for the unlawful possession of ammunition, further underscoring the gravity of their offenses.
Those convicted include Olivia Lutaaya, Rashid Ssegujja, Robert Rugumayo, Muhymdin Kakooza, Abdul Matovu, Simon Kijjambu, Mesearch Kiwanuka, Ibrahim Wandera, Asbert Nagwere, Steven Musakulu, Sharif Matovu, Devis Mafabi, Livingston Katushabe, Swaibu Katabi, Stanley Lwanga, Siraje Obalayi, Joseph Muganzi, and Paul Muwanguzi.
They were accused of involvement in acts of treachery, which under Ugandan law, relates to activities that threaten national security and stability.
However, some NUP supporters and their leader Robert Kyagulanyi blamed Youth minister Balaam Barugahara for pressuring them into pleading guilty and seeking Museveni’s forgiveness or else they would never leave prison.
The suspects were arrested between November 2020 and May 2021 in kalangala district on one of the campaigns of Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobiwine as NUPs presidential candidate and initially charged with unlawful possession of explosive devices. Later, the charge of treachery was added. Their legal team applied for bail several times, however court deemed their sureties unsubstantial.
Their decision to plead guilty played a crucial role in the court’s deliberations. The court acknowledged their admission of guilt and considered it a mitigating factor during sentencing. They also took into account the convicts’ personal circumstances, including the fact that many of them are sole breadwinners for their young families.
