The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has accused the military of coercing his party supporters into confessing to charges related to treachery and unlawful possession of ammunition. The allegations follow a court appearance by three NUP supporters—Paul Muwanguzi, Siraj Obalai, and Joseph Muganza—who pleaded guilty before the General Court Martial on Monday.
These three, along with 29 others, had previously faced charges of unlawful possession of ammunition. In April 2024, they were charged with treachery by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Director of Prosecutions. Defense lawyer Elizabeth Nyansingwa informed the court that her clients had opted to change their pleas to guilty.
However, Kyagulanyi has claimed that this change of plea was made under duress. Addressing journalists at Makerere Kavule, he alleged that the 32 NUP supporters had been pressured by the military, who presented them with a choice: plead guilty and implicate NUP leaders or face extended imprisonment. Some of the accused reportedly gave in to this pressure.
“During our visits to Kitalya Prison, we are not allowed to speak with the detainees individually. Only one person speaks for the group. On our last visit, we learned that soldiers were trying to convince them to change their plea, warning that failure to do so would lead to a longer jail term,” Kyagulanyi said.
Kyagulanyi further argued that the military court is using the case to suppress those who resist, aiming to protect the UPDF from potential legal challenges over alleged human rights abuses. He condemned the ongoing trial of civilians in military courts, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of justice in Uganda.
Kyagulanyi referenced a ruling by the Constitutional Court in the Kabaziguruka case, which declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional. He expressed frustration with the Supreme Court’s inaction on this matter, accusing the justice system of enabling abuses of power.
In response, Brigadier General Felix Kulaigye, spokesperson for the UPDF, denied Kyagulanyi’s claims, stating that no coercion had taken place. He insisted that the accused individuals had made their decisions voluntarily.
Additionally, Captain Simon Nsubuga, the UPDF defense lawyer, informed the court that six more NUP supporters were seeking to enter a plea bargain. This case continues to draw attention due to the broader issues it raises regarding human rights, military justice, and the political climate in Uganda.
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