National Unity Platform Acting President John Baptist Nambeshe on Monday addressed a press conference to formally welcome nine party supporters freed after spending more than six years in detention. Nambeshe described their resilience in the face of what the party terms political persecution as truly inspiring. The nine had been held largely without a concluded fair trial in a civilian court. Those released include Yasin Ssekitoleko (alias Yasin Machete), Patrick Mwase, Sharif Kalanzi, Joseph Muwonge, Abdallah Kintu, Umar Emma Kato, Musa Kavuma, Jimmy Galukande and Abdallah Gibusiwa. They were among supporters arrested around the 2020–2021 election period and charged before the General Court Martial with treachery and unlawful possession of ammunition, among other allegations linked to a purported rebel group. After prolonged remand, the group applied for and was granted amnesty. The military court referred them to the Amnesty Commission, which issued certificates leading to their release at the end of July. NUP has consistently maintained that the charges were politically motivated and that the long detention without timely trial amounted to an abuse of the justice system. The party leadership used the occasion to reiterate calls for the release of remaining political prisoners. King Musah Media will continue following developments on political detentions and reintegration of those released.
Nambeshe Welcomes Nine NUP Supporters Freed After More Than Six Years in Detention
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