- The convicts were given a reduced sentence for the first charge of treachery that attracts a maximum sentence of death and on the second charge of unlawful possession of explosives, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, the convicts received a caution, citing their remorseful behavior and other mitigating factors.
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The General Court Martial has sentenced 16 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) to three months and 22 days in prison after they pleaded guilty to charges of treachery and unlawful possession of explosives.
The court presided over by Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabe, delivered the ruling, highlighting the significant time the convicts had already spent in detention.
The Court had noted that although the Convicts should have served five years in prison on treachery, they should serve only three months and 22 days after deducting the three years and four months spent on remand without trial and the 16 months they have spent on remand in engagements.
The Court also sentenced the convicts to a caution on the second of unlawful possession of explosives.
The court heard that the group, led by Muhydin Kakooza, had been in prison for over three years.
After considering the three years, four months, and eight days they spent on remand and an additional 16 months defending themselves in court.
The convicts were given a reduced sentence for the first charge of treachery that attracts a maximum sentence of death and on the second charge of unlawful possession of explosives, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, the convicts received a caution, citing their remorseful behavior and other mitigating factors.
The offenses were committed between November 2020 and May 2021, with the group reportedly arrested in various locations including Jinja, Mbale, Kireka, and Kampala Central.
The group had been found with 13 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) – equipment exclusively reserved for use by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).
The convicts also admitted to recruiting and providing military training to others in a bid to overthrow the government.In court, the convicts expressed regret for their actions, admitting they had been misled. They asked for pardon from President Yoweri Museveni.
The court, while acknowledging their remorse and family responsibilities, emphasized the seriousness of the charges but opted for a sentence that reflected the time already served.
However, Muhydin Kakooza and his co-accused expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, noting that they had expected to walk free after pleading guilty and spending nearly four years on remand.
The group’s legal team has since confirmed their intention to file an appeal within the stipulated 14-day period.
The convicts include 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.As the case draws to a close, it continues to draw national attention, with supporters of the NUP and civil rights groups closely following developments.
The sentencing comes at a time of heightened political tensions in Uganda, where the government has been criticized for cracking down on opposition movements.However, the fate of the remaining 13 co-accused persons who continue to deny the said charges remains unknown.
The group was on Monday this week officially convicted after pleading guilty to the said charges.