President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday pardoned the 19 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who were convicted after entering a guilty plea on charges of treachery and unlawful possession of fire arms they were facing in the General Court Martial at Makindye.

In a statement issued to the Spokesperson of the Uganda Prisons Services, President Museveni exercised his powers vested under article 121[1] of the 1995 constitution of the Republic of Uganda as amended and on advice of the advisory committee on the prerogative of mercy.

“I hereby grant a pardon of sentence to the persons on the offence of treachery of the UPDF Act Cap 330 and unlawful possession of ammunition” reads the statement.

Among the 19  pardoned persons includes; Rashid Ssegujja, Robert Christopher Rugumayo, Muhuyadin Kakooza, Simon Kujambu, Abdul Matovu, Olivia Lutaaya, Ronald Kijjambu, Mesach Kiwanuka, Ibrahim Wandera, Asubat Nagwere among others.

Immediately after their release; Olivia Lutaaya visited the NUP party headquarters and explained to the press how they were coerced by several people including the State Minister for Children and Youth, Balaam Barugahara to accept the charges in exchange for their freedom.

Meanwhile, the NUP Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya disclosed that President Museveni only wanted to keep their supporters in jail but they had no case to answer as they were only charged because of their political affiliation.

By Olivia Nabaggala

22 Nov 2024 

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