Nine supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) are expected to walk free after spending nearly six years in detention without trial as announced by the party.
NUP said the nine men including Yasin Ssekitoleko, also known asMachete, Kalanzi Sharif, Kintu Abdallah, Gibusiwa Abdukarim, Musa Kavuma, Joseph Muwonge, Jimmy Galukande and Patrick Mwase were sent by a military court to the Amnesty Commission on Friday where they are expected to receive amnesty certificates before their release.
The party said the detainees agreed to plead guilty to charges they deny committing after what it described as years of prolonged detention but were instead directed to seek amnesty.
“After close to six years under detention without trial nine of our comrades are due to be released today,” NUP said in a statement shared on social media.
The party welcomed the expected release but criticised the circumstances surrounding the men’s detention accusing authorities of abusing the criminal justice system.
NUP also expressed concern that the released supporters could be taken into further custody citing previous cases where some opposition supporters were allegedly transferred to other locations after being freed.
This release comes amid continued debate in Uganda over the use of military courts to handle cases involving civilians particularly opposition supporters.
Rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about due process and fair trial guarantees in such cases.
Yasin Ssekitoleko one of the nine men had previously appeared before the General Court Martial facing charges including treachery and unlawful possession of ammunition. His case attracted attention after he spent years on remand while legal arguments continued over the jurisdiction of military courts in trying civilians.
The men were among a group of NUP supporters arrested around the 2021 general election period. Several opposition activists have since faced charges before military courts, a practice that has sparked criticism from human rights organisations and opposition figures.
Uganda’s Amnesty Commission was established under the Amnesty Act to provide a legal pathway for individuals who renounce involvement in armed rebellion and seek reintegration into society. The commission issues amnesty certificates to eligible applicants.
NUP said the release marks a long-awaited moment of freedom for the nine supporters and called for an end to what it described as politically motivated prosecutions.
Government and military authorities have previously maintained that individuals appearing before military courts are charged over specific offences and that legal procedures are followed.
