Nine detained comrades set for release after nearly six years in custody
According to their supporters, the detainees, after enduring a prolonged period in custody, agreed to plead guilty to charges they maintain they did not commit. They later applied for amnesty following a change in the court process.
Nine opposition supporters who have spent close to six years in detention without trial are expected to be released after being referred to the Amnesty Commission by a military court.
The group, including Yasin Ssekitoleko alias Machete, Kalanzi Sharif, Kintu Abdallah, Gibusiwa Abdukarim, Musa Kavuma, Joseph Muwonge, Jimmy Galukande, and Patrick Mwase, was sent to the Amnesty Commission on Friday to receive Amnesty Certificates, paving the way for their release.
According to their supporters, the detainees, after enduring a prolonged period in custody, agreed to plead guilty to charges they maintain they did not commit. They later applied for amnesty following a change in the court process.
The supporters welcomed the development, saying the release offers the detainees an opportunity to regain their freedom after years behind bars, while also criticizing what they described as misuse of the criminal justice system.
They, however, expressed concern over the possibility of the released individuals being re-arrested or taken elsewhere, citing previous cases where some former detainees were allegedly taken to Kyankwanzi after their release.
The authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the release process.
