Army Court Convicts 16 NUP Supporters on Charges of Treachery
- Cameras were notably absent from the courtroom as the verdict was delivered by Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabe, the court's chairman.
- The individuals had been in custody for nearly four years before pleading guilty to the charges last week.
In a closed-door court session held earlier today, the General Court Martial convicted 19 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters on charges of treachery and unlawful possession of explosives.
Cameras were notably absent from the courtroom as the verdict was delivered by Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabe, the court's chairman.
The individuals had been in custody for nearly four years before pleading guilty to the charges last week.
The convicted individuals are Olivia Lutaaya, Kakooza Muhydin Rashid Ssegujja, David Mafabi, Robert Christopher Rugumayo, Abdul Matovu, Mesearch Kiwanuka, Simon Kijambu, Ibrahim Wandera, Stanley Lwanga, Steven Musaakaru, Ronald Kijjambu, Asubat Nagwere, Livingstone Katushabe, Matovu Sharif, and Swaibu Katabi.
During the court session, the state detailed how the group had been arrested with 13 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which are reserved exclusively for use by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).
The offenses were committed between November 2020 and May 2021 in various locations across Jinja, Mbale, Kireka, Nakulabye, Kawempe, Nateete, and Kampala Central.
The group also admitted to recruiting and providing military training to others with the intent of overthrowing the government.
They expressed remorse for their actions, claiming they had been misled and seeking pardon from President Yoweri Museveni.
It remains unclear whether the group struck a plea deal with the prosecution in exchange for a lighter sentence, though the offense of treachery carries a maximum penalty of death.
Sentencing has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 23.In a separate development, the same court granted bail to Achileo Kivumbi, a private bodyguard to NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
Kivumbi, who is facing charges of unlawful possession of military-grade equipment, has been ordered to pay two million shillings in cash for his release.
He is restricted from leaving Kampala without the court's permission until his trial resumes.Another NUP supporter, Bobi Young, has also been further remanded until Wednesday this week for his bail ruling.
He faces similar charges of being found in possession of military stores, a charge he denies.
As the 19 are due to be sentenced this Wednesday, the remaining 13 who continue to proclaim their innocence include four who were granted bail in 2023 and the 9 who are still on remand.
The group will also return on Wednesday this week for further mention of their case.