We Don’t Know Him!! NUP Disowns It’s Party Member And Councillor Who Pleaded To Museveni To Release Jailed NUP Supporters

The National Unity Platform (NUP), the largest opposition party in Uganda, has publicly distanced itself from one of its members who contacted President Museveni seeking forgiveness for political prisoners linked to the party.

Ali Katerega, identified as Masaka City Councilor and NUP member, was seen in the entourage accompanying newly appointed State Minister Balaam Barugahara during the minister’s swearing-in ceremony at State House, Entebbe.

Katerega’s appeal to President Museveni sought clemency for political prisoners held before, during or after the 2021 elections. He claimed that many of these people were deceived by opportunistic politicians. In response, President Museveni indicated that he was willing to consider releasing some prisoners, except those convicted of capital crimes.

However, NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, was quick to deny Katerega’s actions, saying they were inconsistent with the party’s stance. Speaking at a rally to mark Women’s Day, Kyagulanyi stressed that the pursuit of freedom from oppression is a constitutional right and the NUP will not resort to asking Museveni to do so.

Kyagulanyi reiterated his belief in the innocence of all detained NUP supporters and stressed the need for justice for those killed or imprisoned. He said that as head of state, Museveni should ensure that detained party members are treated in accordance with Ugandan law, even if international legal remedies are pursued.

The party’s lawyer, Shamin Malende, expressed concern about the selective application of the laws, noting that although Katerega wore the NUP’s distinctive red beret, he faced no consequences, unlike other detained supporters wearing the same clothing.

The detention of suspected NUP supporters during Uganda’s 2021 election period has drawn international attention, with reports of disappearances and deaths among those targeted.

Earlier in the week, Minister Balaam promised to work for the release of imprisoned NUP members, signaling a possible change in government policy towards political prisoners.