Court Martial Grants Amnesty to 9 NUP Supporters Held Since 2021 Elections

Nine supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) who have been in military custody since the 2021 general elections have been granted official amnesty, ending years of legal proceedings before the General Court Martial in Makindye.  

The group, which includes Yasin Ssekitoleko and Patrick Mwase, was formally received by officials from the Uganda Amnesty Commission after their application for amnesty was processed through the military court tribunal.

The nine detainees were originally arrested during the heightened political period surrounding the 2021 presidential campaigns. The state charged them under military law with two main offenses:

 Treachery: Charged under Section 127(a) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act.  

 Unlawful Possession of Ammunition: Charged under Section 158(2)(c) of the UPDF Act.  

According to court records, prosecution prosecutors alleged that the accused engaged in war-like acts intended to overthrow the government. The state contended that the group recruited members, underwent unauthorized training, and possessed or detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) across Kampala and neighboring urban centers.  

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Following the grant of amnesty, the beneficiaries were handed over to the principal legal officer of the Uganda Amnesty Commission.  

Under the provisions of the Amnesty Act, the former detainees will undergo structured counseling, rehabilitation, and community reintegration programs managed by the Commission to assist their return to civilian life.  

Legal analysts note that this decision could establish a notable precedent for other political opposition supporters facing similar charges of treachery or illegal possession of government stores in military courts.