Former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto has criticised the use of Uganda’s Amnesty Act to secure the release of detained National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, arguing that the legislation was originally intended for a different purpose.
Speaking during an appearance on NBS Television on Thursday night, August 13, Otto said the amnesty framework had historically been used to help reintegrate thousands of former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) combatants into society.
“The amnesty law helped settle 20,000 ex-LRA combatants. To me the release of NUP supporters under the Amnesty Act is an abuse of the law,” Otto said.
His comments came days after nine long-term NUP detainees, including Yasin Ssekitoleko, popularly known as Machete, were released after accepting amnesty.
The group had spent years in detention following their arrest during the 2020–2021 election period. They had faced charges including treachery and unlawful possession of ammunition before the General Court Martial.
The nine had initially resisted an amnesty arrangement, maintaining that they were not guilty of the offences against them. Their eventual acceptance of amnesty came after years of detention and prolonged legal proceedings.
The former MP, however, appeared more concerned about the continued detention of other NUP supporters than the legal controversy surrounding the amnesty process.
“In my honest opinion, all NUP supporters still in detention should sign any deal the government gives them to go home,” Otto said.
He urged those still behind bars to prioritise their freedom even if doing so meant accepting allegations they have previously rejected.
“Whether they have to admit to being rebels. Just do anything to go home,” he added.
Otto’s remarks highlight the difficult choices facing opposition supporters who have spent years in detention while their cases remain unresolved.