Court Martial courtroom was the stage for a dramatic shift in a long-running legal battle today as NUP supporters faced the judge. After spending over four years in prison, 16 NUP supporters decided to change their plea to “guilty.”
These were arrested during the heated 2021 presidential campaign, had previously insisted on their innocence, but something clearly changed. This was after all the defendants were escorted from the court, they took a knee, literally begging for a presidential pardon. One of them, Kakooza, even donned a yellow t-shirt with President Museveni’s face on it.
While speaking on behalf of the group, Kakooza claimed that they were “deceived” by Bobi Wine and apologized for their actions. This isn’t the first time he has made headlines. Back in April, he made a scene in court by jumping out of the dock after their bail application was denied (for the third time).
He even boldly declared they would rather die than beg for President Museveni’s mercy. But now, it seems the group is singing a different tune. They’ve admitted to possessing military-grade explosives and expressed regret for their involvement with Bobi Wine.
This unexpected turn of events could have major implications for the upcoming sentencing and the wider political scene in Uganda. Adding another point to this story, Bobi Wine and other NUP leaders claim the accused were pressured to plead guilty by government officials.
They allege that Minister Balaam visited the prisoners and urged them to seek Museveni’s forgiveness in exchange for their freedom. This case, arising from the tense 2021 elections where Bobi Wine challenged President Museveni, highlights the ongoing struggle between the government and opposition in Uganda.
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The reading of the sentence is scheduled for October, and it will undoubtedly be closely watched by everyone in Uganda and outside to see what will happen to them after pleading guilty against their will.