By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Kampala, Uganda – In a surprise move, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has granted a pardon to 19 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, including Olivia Lutaaya, who had pleaded guilty to charges of possession of ammunition and treachery.
Lutaaya, a NUP supporter, had pleaded guilty on Monday at the military court, joining other NUP supporters who had already pleaded guilty in the same case.
Those who had already pleaded guilty include Paul Muwanguzi, Siraj Obalai, and Joseph Muganza.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) alleges that State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, convinced Lutaaya and other NUP supporters to plead guilty in exchange for a pardon.
Lewis Rubongoya, NUP Secretary General, claimed that Balaam visited Lutaaya and other prisoners and talked them into pleading guilty in order to be pardoned.
NUP President Bobi Wine had earlier alleged that the regime had promised money and houses to political prisoners who were willing to plead guilty and implicate him.
Kyagulanyi stated that the regime had promised these incentives in exchange for the prisoners’ cooperation.
The pardon, granted under Article 121(1)(a) of the Constitution of Uganda, was announced on November 20, 2024. The list of those pardoned includes:
- Olivia Lutaaya
- Rashid Ssegujja
- Robert Rugumayo
- Muhymdin Kakooza
- Abdul Matovu
- Simon Kijjambu
- Mesearch Kiwanuka
- Ibrahim Wandera
- Asubat Nagwere
- Stephen Musaakuru
- Paul Muwanguzi
- Sharif Matovu
- Davis Mafabi
- Kigozi Livingstone Katushabe
- Swaibu Katabi
- Siraj Obalai
- Joseph Muganza
- Stanley Lwanga
The presidential pardon is seen as a significant move towards promoting reconciliation and rehabilitation in Uganda.
However, the NUP has raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the guilty pleas and the pardon.
Have An Advert Or Article You Want Us To Publish? Whatsapp: +256786288379 or email binocularugnews@gmail.com
