Rubongoya Frustrated as Freed NUP Detainees Shift Loyalty to the Regime

He described how some of the freed prisoners, whom NUP had fought for, had turned to praising the very figures who had robbed them of years of their lives.

The Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), David Lewis Rubongoya has expressed disappointment over the actions of some recently freed supporters, who, according to him, have aligned themselves with the very regime that once detained and tortured them.

In a statement, Rubongoya emphasized that his disappointment stemmed not from a sense of betrayal, but from witnessing the manipulation of these former prisoners by the same regime that had caused them suffering.

“They are being used by the same criminals who abducted them, tortured them, paraded them before a military court, and subjected them to all manner of humiliation,” Rubongoya said.

He described how some of the freed prisoners, whom NUP had fought for, had turned to praising the very figures who had robbed them of years of their lives.

“Now, those criminals are their heroes,” Rubongoya lamented, expressing his dismay at seeing these former prisoners kneel before the regime figures who had once tortured and wrongfully imprisoned them.

Rubongoya also raised concerns about the scripted nature of their statements, suggesting that the prisoners may have been coerced into making public declarations that didn’t reflect their true feelings.

Despite his frustration, Rubongoya encouraged NUP members to remain steadfast. He urged them to continue supporting political prisoners, regardless of the actions of a few who may have been compromised.

“Never give up doing good simply because some of those you helped have repaid you with malice, lies, and hatred,” he said, reminding his colleagues that their work was about serving humanity, not seeking recognition.

“We do this work to serve humanity, not to be appreciated by mortals.”

Rubongoya reflected on the support NUP had provided to these individuals during their time in captivity, highlighting the emotional toll caused by their post-release actions.

Rubongoya outlined the efforts NUP had made over the past four years to assist political prisoners, including monthly visits, financial support for upkeep and medical needs, provision of legal representation, and assistance for the families of the detained.

Party members also traveled long distances to visit imprisoned colleagues in remote villages.

NUP accused

Recently, former inmates Sanya Muhydin and Joseph Muganza accused NUP and its leader, Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), of exploiting them.

Muhydin and Muganza are among the 19 individuals pardoned by President Museveni last week after serving four years in prison for treason and illegal possession of ammunition. They were arrested during the November 2020 protests.

In an appearance on Sanyuka Television, Sanya Muhydin claimed that Kyagulanyi had paid them to initiate protests but abandoned them afterward.

“We wanted to overthrow the government, and I want to ask for forgiveness. I admit now that we were supporting Kyagulanyi, and he used to give us money to start protests,” Muhydin said.

“They promised me 2 million shillings, then 5 million, and many other things. Despite everything I did for them, I received nothing in return. Now, I find myself in despair, having lost everything I owned.”

Meanwhile, Muganza admitted to the crimes, stating, “We were involved in criminal activities, had guns, and aimed to overthrow the government. We organized numerous protests.”

Muganza also refuted claims that they had received money or other benefits, such as housing and business opportunities, from the government after their release.

The two, along with 17 others from NUP, were arrested following the November 2020 protests and faced charges of treason and illegal possession of ammunition.

Initially, they denied the charges but accepted a plea deal last month, resulting in sentences of three months and 22 days.

They were pardoned by President Museveni last week.

Muhydin denied claims that he and the other pardoned individuals were coerced by the government into confessing to the crimes.

"Kyagulanyi didn’t want me to leave Luzira. I supported him because I believed he was fighting for a just cause. The government did not pressure me into admitting the offenses," he said.

However, Ms Olivia Lutaaya claimed she was coerced into signing an agreement and alleged manipulation.

In response, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, dismissed Lutaaya’s claims, suggesting that she is suffering from mental health issues and requires urgent medical attention.

Mr Balaam’s remarks followed Lutaaya's allegations that she and other detainees were forced into confessing to secure their release.

He shared a letter reportedly written by Lutaaya requesting a presidential pardon.

According to Mr Balaam, the letter, dated October 15, 2024, indicated that Lutaaya and 18 other NUP detainees had appealed to President Museveni for clemency, expressing regret for their actions.

He urged NUP leaders and supporters to embrace constructive politics and engage in governance training.

Minister Balaam also encouraged the 19 pardoned NUP supporters to participate in government programs aimed at improving their livelihoods and compensating for their time in incarceration.