The leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Bobi wine , has delivered a powerful condemnation of President Yoweri Museveni’s regime for its alleged pattern of exploiting the deaths of political opponents through monetary inducements and false promises. The statement highlights several high-profile cases where families of victims were allegedly manipulated to serve the regime’s public relations agenda.
Bobi wine recounted the case of Yasin Kawuma, who was murdered in 2018. “When Gen. Museveni murdered Yasin Kawuma in cold blood, he sent Catherine Kusasira to deliver 20 million shillings at his funeral,” Bobi wine stated. The money came with conditions: the family had to thank Museveni and avoid discussing politics. Despite promises of further support, none materialized, leading to disillusionment and division within Kawuma’s family.
Similar tactics were employed following the deaths of other activists, including Dan Kyeyune and Jakana Nadduli. In each case, bobi wine alleged, the regime used money and coercion to control the narrative at their funerals, often misrepresenting the deceased’s political affiliations. “When they shot and killed Dan Kyeyune, they sent money to his family and draped his body in an NRM flag, even though he was a known People Power activist,” Bobi wine noted.
The statement also touched on the lack of accountability and justice for these deaths, describing it as a calculated strategy to suppress dissent. “There has been no accountability or justice regarding their deaths,” Bobi wine emphasized, pointing out that these actions are part of a broader regime tactic to silence opposition voices and maintain control.
Reflecting on the recent death of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, Bobi wine praised the citizens who resisted attempts to hand over his body to the regime. “They mocked him in life and wanted to mock him in death. I thank all of you who tried to live up to his requests,” the statement read.
In conclusion, Bobi wine urged Ugandans to continue fighting for justice and to resist the regime’s attempts to exploit tragic losses for political gain. The statement serves as a rallying cry for greater accountability and transparency in the face of ongoing political repression.
