National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Rubongoya has drawn attention to the continued detention of party members he says were abducted and tortured during Uganda’s last elections.
Speaking on X, Rubongoya said he visited Kitalya Prison en route to Mityana to check on the welfare of comrades including Ssekitoleko Yasin Machete, Patrick Mwase, Sharif Kalanzi, Joseph Muwonge, Abdallah Kintu, Umar Emma Kato, Kavuma Musa, Jimmy Galukande, and Gibusiwa Abdallah.
“These comrades were abducted, tortured, and arraigned before a military court during the last election. It’s another election season, and they are still in detention,” Rubongoya stated.
He added that despite their confinement, the detainees remain informed about political developments and pray that their personal freedom will coincide with broader national liberty.
Rubongoya accused the government of using coercive tactics to force the detained NUP members to plead guilty to crimes they did not commit.
“The regime continues to send operatives to coerce them, but they refuse to give in,” he said.
The visit underscores concerns over political freedoms in Uganda, especially as the nation approaches another election period.
NUP leaders have repeatedly condemned what they describe as the arbitrary detention of party members, calling it a tactic to suppress opposition voices.
Human rights advocates have also expressed alarm over the use of military courts for civilian political detainees, noting that such trials raise questions about due process and adherence to international legal standards.
Rubongoya’s public statements aim to keep the detained members’ plight in the spotlight and to pressure authorities to respect human rights.
The NUP secretary general’s visit highlights ongoing tensions in Uganda’s political landscape as the country prepares for another round of elections.