Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu welcomes release of nine supporters after six years in detention
In a statement, Bobi Wine said he had spoken with the nine shortly after their release, describing the moment as a relief after what he termed “illegal detention without trial.”
National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has welcomed the release of nine of his supporters who had spent nearly six years in detention without trial.
The former detainees include Yasin Ssekitoleko, commonly known as Machete, Patrick Mwase, Sharif Kalanzi, Joseph Muwonge, Abdallah Kintu, Umar Emma Kato, Musa Kavuma, Jimmy Galukande and Abdallah Gibusiwa.
In a statement, Bobi Wine said he had spoken with the nine shortly after their release, describing the moment as a relief after what he termed “illegal detention without trial.”
He alleged that the nine had committed no offence and were denied bail and trial for years because of their support for the NUP during the 2021 general elections.
“Their only crime was supporting me and the NUP in the 2021 election,” Bobi Wine said, adding that they had been forced to plead guilty to secure their freedom.
The NUP leader also criticised the decision to process their release through a military court, despite a previous Supreme Court ruling directing that their cases be transferred to ordinary courts.
“Either way, we are very glad to have them back,” he said, thanking individuals and organisations that had advocated for their release and supported their families during their detention.
The nine were released after appearing before a military court and receiving amnesty, ending years of legal uncertainty surrounding their cases.
