The National Unity Platform (NUP) has refuted claims that the political prisoners, recently pardoned by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and released on Friday, were chased away upon their arrival at the party’s offices in Kavule.
This comes after a video circulated on social media showing several of the freed NUP supporters claiming they were not welcomed at the party’s offices but instead chased away. The claims were directed at Full Figure, a presidential advisor, during an interaction captured in the footage.
In response, NUP, through its official X (formerly Twitter) page, distanced itself from the allegations, denying any involvement in the alleged incident.
“Our attention has been drawn to videos where Museveni’s agent full figure paraded some of the freed NUP Political Prisoners. In that video, they claimed that upon release, they reached NUP offices and were chased away.” NUP clarified.
In their defense, NUP stated that the freed prisoners were directed to their offices, where they were received by Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya. He welcomed them, provided refreshments, and arranged transport to take them to their homes.
“This is false! As soon as we learnt that they had been freed, we asked them to proceed to NUP offices where they were received warmly by the Secretary General. We paid for their transportation and offered them refreshments. Each of them was given transport up to their respective homes which they signed for. Since they came at night, we promised to have a follow up meeting with them, and see how to support them post-prison after they have reunited with their families.” NUP noted.
NUP expressed its commitment to supporting those who choose to continue working with the party and wished good luck to those who decide to join the ruling government.
“As usual, we never abandon our comrades, but we cannot compete with the regime. It has billions at its disposal to buy off willing political opponents. Within our means, and supported by other comrades, we shall work with and support we those who are willing to continue this journey with us. For those who wish to join the regime and work for it moving forward, we wish them luck.” NUP.
The 19 freed NUP supporters are part of a larger group that had been imprisoned for over four years due to alleged misconduct during the 2021 elections. Recently, they pleaded guilty and were sentenced to serve three months in prison. However, just weeks into their sentence, President Museveni granted them a pardon. Among the released individuals was the well-known Olivia Lutaaya.
Social media is awash with mixed reactions, with many of the freed supporters criticizing Bobi Wine, accusing him of exploiting them and leading them into trouble
