By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Brig. Jacob Asiimwe, a Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, has announced plans to appeal to President Yoweri Museveni to pardon over 100 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who were recently arrested in campaign rallies.
Speaking at a veterans’ event in Makulubita, Luwero District, Brig. Asiimwe expressed sympathy for the detained youth, but also condemned their protest actions, stating that demonstrations and violent acts were futile.
He advised the younger generation to recognize the President’s past leniency, saying “Tell these kids that protests are pointless… The president has been very kind and pardoned many young people caught up in these crimes.”
The recent mass arrests followed the interception of opposition leader Bobi Wine’s campaign convoy in Mbarara. Of those detained, 43 were arraigned on charges including willful obstruction of a police officer, with others facing traffic violations.
The NUP has repeatedly condemned the actions as politically motivated attempts to stifle their campaign.
Brig. Asiimwe noted that for some, such as Olivia Lutaaya, a second presidential pardon might not be possible, having received one last year.
Asiimwe pointed out that under the Amnesty Act, a person cannot receive two presidential pardons for a crime. Lutaaya was among those pardoned last year after spending three years on remand for treachery charges.
Despite the legal hurdles, Asiimwe affirmed his intent to push for forgiveness for the recent detainees, saying “I am going to reach out to the president and ask him to forgive those (NUP supporters) arrested recently.”
He added that the focus must shift to ensuring these youths are properly counselled, stating “We shall speak for them but these children need to be reoriented.”
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