Former National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter Yasin Ssekitoleko, popularly known as Machete, has publicly thanked human rights activist Agather Atuhaire for standing by him during his nearly six years in detention.
Ssekitoleko was among nine NUP supporters released on July 30, 2026, after spending years in detention over charges that included treachery and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Their release followed proceedings before the General Court Martial and subsequent processing through the Amnesty Commission.
In a social media statement following his release, Ssekitoleko described Atuhaire as one of the people who played a significant role in his eventual return to freedom.
“Many know you on social media, but I have witnessed that you are the same person on the ground,” Ssekitoleko said, praising the activist for consistently raising pressure on authorities and human rights organisations over his case.
He said Atuhaire also helped connect him with legal teams from different countries, which he claimed continued visiting him regularly while he was in prison.
“During my time in prison, you connected me with legal teams from different countries who kept on visiting me every week. You never stopped checking on me and standing with me,” he said.
Ssekitoleko recalled an incident in which he contacted Atuhaire after he was allegedly denied the freedom to pray as a Muslim while in detention.
He said the activist subsequently raised the matter publicly despite facing challenges over her efforts.
“I still remember when I called you after I was denied the freedom to pray as a Muslim. You raised my situation publicly despite the challenges that followed,” he said.
According to Ssekitoleko, Atuhaire's persistence gave him hope during a difficult period and contributed to efforts that eventually led to his release.
“Thank you, Mama, for standing with me until I regained my freedom,” he wrote, adding that she would remain among the people he would always mention when recounting his prison experience.
Ssekitoleko and eight other NUP supporters were released after the General Court Martial referred them to the Amnesty Commission, where they received Amnesty Certificates.
Their release ended years of uncertainty surrounding their cases, which had remained before the military justice system despite a January 2025 Supreme Court decision declaring that civilians should not be tried by military courts.
The release was welcomed by NUP Secretary General David Rubongoya, although questions were subsequently raised about the legal process through which the detainees obtained their freedom.
For Ssekitoleko, however, his latest message has focused on those who supported him throughout his imprisonment, with particular recognition for Atuhaire's efforts.