Jailed NUP supporter Olivia Lutaaya gestures as she departs the military court in Kampala after she and 15 other opposition supporters pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of explosives at the General Court Martial in Kampala on October 14, 2024. Photo/ Abubaker Lubowa
The General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala has convicted 16 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters on charges of unlawful possession of 13 pieces of explosive devices and treachery.
The army court chaired by Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe convicted Olivia Lutaaya, Rashid Ssegujja, Robert Rugumayo, Muhymdin Kakooza, Simon Kijjambu, Abdul Matovu and others upon their own plea of guilty during court proceedings held in camera, a lawyer who attended court told this reporter.
Other convicts are, Mesearch Kiwanuka , Ibrahim Wandera, Asbert Nagwere, Steven Musakulu, Sharif Matovu, Devis Mafabi, Livingston Katushabe Kigozi, Swaibu Katabi, Stanley Lwanga, Siraje Obalayi, Joseph Muganza and Paul Muwanguzi.
The group that has been on remand for four years previously pleaded guilty and sought presidential pardon.
During the Monday proceedings which were inaccessible to journalists, Brig Gen Mugabe remanded the convicts until Wednesday when they will appear for sentencing.
The suspects were first remanded on charges of unlawful possession of 13 explosive devices following their arrest between November 2020 and May 2021 before an additional charge of treachery was slapped on them.
They have had several of their bail applications dismissed before by the army court, largely on grounds that their sureties are not substantial.
Prosecution alleges that between November 2020 and May 12, 2021, in diverse areas of Jinja, Mbale, Kireka, Nakulabye, Kawempe, Nateete and Kampala Central, the accused were in possession of 13 pieces of explosive devices which are ordinarily a monopoly of the defence forces.
Some of the NUP supporters were arrested in Kalangala District while on the campaign trail of then presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine.
Meanwhile the same court granted bail to Mr Kyagulanyi’s private bodyguard Achileo Kivumbi who has been on remand for months.
Kivumbi who is accused of unlawful possession of military pips was on Monday ordered to pay Shs2 million cash before his release. He was also restricted from leaving Kampala without the army court's permission.
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