Tension Mounts as NUP Resists Pressure to Submit to Museveni for Prisoners’ Release

By Aggrey Buluba

In a moving statement, David Lewis Rubongoya, the Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), declared that the party would not bow to the ongoing pressure from the government and the public to negotiate with President Museveni to release its imprisoned supporters. These individuals have languished within the confines of Uganda’s justice system since the contentious 2021 elections, allegedly, enduring unimaginable hardships as they confront numerous charges.

The situation worsens with the alarming news that 19 youths, labeled as terrorists for allegedly possessing explosive devices, have admitted guilt. Rubongoya argues that once brimming with potential, a regime intent on stifling dissent has ensnared these young lives. “They are not criminals; they are victims of a broken system,” he expressed, his voice heavy with sorrow. He emphasized that their confessions do not indicate guilt but rather represent desperate pleas for mercy after enduring years of suffering and inhumane conditions in Uganda’s harsh detention facilities.

In a heartfelt interview with NTV, Rubongoya’s anguish was evident as he confronted the harsh realities facing his party’s supporters. “We have nothing to negotiate. What could we offer in exchange for their freedom?” he questioned, burdened by the weight of injustice. Each day they remain imprisoned, he lamented, is a day taken from their youth, a stark reminder of the pain inflicted by a regime that flourishes on fear and oppression.

With tears welling in his eyes, Rubongoya vowed steadfast support for his party members, who have become emblems of resilience amid despair. “These are not just statistics; they are fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters,” he underscored, illustrating the heartbreaking impact of political turmoil on families. He urged the public to unite against this brutality, reminding everyone that “even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise again.”

As the struggle persists, Rubongoya’s words poignantly remind us that hope survives even in the face of adversity. He called upon the community to stand resolutely in the pursuit of justice and human rights, echoing the timeless truth that “when the heart weeps, the soul finds strength.” In these challenging times, the plea for compassion and unity resonates more powerfully than ever.