The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially welcomed back party member and activist Agaba Anthony, widely known as “Bobi Young,” following his release from custody after months of prolonged detention.
Bobi Young, a bodyguard to NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) and a prominent party foot soldier, was reportedly abducted on May 23, 2024, before being held in custody for over a year on charges related to the illegal possession of military stores.
Party Leadership Condemns Circumstances of Custody
Addressing the development, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya strongly condemned the circumstances surrounding Bobi Young’s detention and subsequent court proceedings.
Concerns were raised after Bobi Young entered a guilty plea before a military court during his period in custody—a move party leadership maintains was coerced for charges he did not commit. Rubongoya emphasized that forced pleas severely undermine the integrity of the justice system, noting that the case underscores systemic concerns regarding due process, legal protections, and the treatment of political detainees in Uganda.
Statements of Support and Ongoing Demands
In a statement shared via X (formerly Twitter), John Baptist Nambeshe, the Acting President of NUP and MP for Manjiya Constituency, celebrated the activist’s return:
“We warmly welcome back our comrade Agaba Anthony, aka Bobi Young… Bobi Young returns home after being detained without trial since 24 June 2024 on charges of illegal possession of military stores. Welcome back, Comrade Bobi Young. Your return is a moment of joy for your family, friends, comrades in the struggle for a new Uganda, and all those who stood by you throughout this difficult period.”
While NUP leadership expressed deep relief over Bobi Young’s safe return to his family, friends, and colleagues, party officials reiterated their commitment to advocating for the release, fair trial rights, and constitutional protections of all political detainees who remain in custody.
