Nine supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) have regained their freedom after spending nearly six years in detention without their cases being concluded, following their decision to sign plea bargain agreements and accept the charges brought against them.
The released supporters are Yasin Ssekitoleko, popularly known as Machete, Kalanzi Sharif, Kintu Abdallah, Gibusiwa Abdukarim, Musa Kavuma, Joseph Muwonge, Jimmy Galukande, and Patrick Mwase.
According to the party, the nine are among a group of NUP supporters who agreed to sign plea bargain agreements, a legal process in which an accused person admits to the charges in exchange for a negotiated resolution. Their decision resulted in their release after years on remand without a full trial.
After walking to freedom, the group headed to the NUP headquarters at Makerere–Kavule, where they were warmly welcomed by the party’s Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, alongside party leaders, supporters, friends, and family members.
While addressing the media, Rubongoya said the nine had been released under an amnesty order after agreeing to the plea bargain process. He welcomed them back and assured the former detainees that the party would continue standing with them as they rebuild their lives after years in prison.
He also thanked the families, lawyers, and party supporters who remained steadfast throughout the prolonged detention, describing the release as an emotional moment for both the affected families and the party.
The release of the nine supporters has once again renewed public debate over the lengthy detention of suspects before trial, particularly in politically sensitive cases. Although their freedom has been celebrated, concerns remain over the years they spent behind bars before their cases were resolved.
For the former detainees, the day marked the end of a long and difficult chapter. As they begin adjusting to life outside prison, they do so with the assurance from their party that they will continue receiving support as they reintegrate into their families and communities.
