Report : NUP Political Prisoners ,The Nrm Government Using Legal Processes For Political Suppression

The Museveni  regime using legal processes for political suppression continues, Olivia Lutaaya and co-accused who face prolonged detention without trial . Already few of her colleagues,7 in number have succumbed to coercion for guilty pleas by the regime in order for them to attain their freedom: Their trial by military court is a clear indicator of systemic judicial abuses in Uganda undermining justice, fairness, and human rights .

In a disturbing development that further exposes Uganda’s increasing use of legal processes for political suppression, recent leaks reveal that Olivia Lutaaya, a prominent National Unity Platform (NUP) member, and her 31 co-accused are being pressured to accept plea bargains in exchange for their release from military detention. These individuals, who have been in prison for nearly four years without conviction, are now faced with the choice of pleading guilty to lesser charges or continuing to languish in jail. Allegedly, this coercion involves high-level government figures, including former NUP members who have defected to the National Resistance Movement (NRM), such as Balaam Barugahara and Jennifer Nakangubi (Full Figure), who have actively participated in negotiations to secure these plea bargains.

 Olivia Lutaaya and her co-accused were arrested in a government crackdown on opposition supporters following the contested 2021 elections. Charged with inciting violence, treason, and other politically motivated offenses, they were detained without trial and tried in the General Court Martial (GCM), despite being civilians.

For over three years, the state has failed to prosecute their case. However, with increasing international scrutiny and the deterioration of prison conditions, the state has reportedly begun pressuring detainees to plead guilty to fabricated charges. According to sources, many of the accused, desperate to leave prison, have agreed to these coerced plea bargains. Some have even replaced their defense lawyers with Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) counsel, raising concerns about the fairness of the legal process.

As of their last appearance before the GCM, a decision on their “plea bargains” is expected. While some, like Olivia Lutaaya, have remained steadfast in their refusal to plead guilty, others, worn down by years of imprisonment, have succumbed to the state’s demands.

Political Coercion and Role of Former NUP Figures: The leaks indicate that this coercion process is being orchestrated by key government agents, including former NUP members Balaam Barugahara and Full Figure, who have since defected to the NRM. Both figures, having once been involved with the opposition, now work to neutralize dissent by convincing political prisoners to accept reduced charges and align with the ruling party.

Balaam and Full Figure are said to have acted as intermediaries between the government and the detainees, presenting plea bargains as the only realistic means of release. Their involvement highlights a broader pattern of coercion by the NRM, which seeks to weaken the opposition by turning its members into collaborators through a mix of legal pressure and promises of freedom.

Human Rights Violations in Ugandan Prisons: The case of Olivia Lutaaya and her co-accused sheds light on broader human rights abuses in Uganda’s prisons, particularly against political prisoners. Reports from human rights organizations paint a dire picture of prison conditions and systematic violations.

Statistics on Human Rights Violations in Ugandan Prisons:

1. Overcrowding: Uganda’s prisons operate at an occupancy rate of 315%, holding over three times their intended capacity. Overcrowding exacerbates the already poor living conditions, with inmates sharing small cells, leading to the spread of diseases.
2. Torture and Ill-Treatment: Political prisoners are often subjected to torture and ill-treatment. Common methods include beatings, waterboarding, electric shocks, and prolonged isolation. A report by Human Rights Watch indicates that over 40% of political detainees have experienced some form of physical or psychological abuse while in detention.
3. Denial of Medical Care: Many political prisoners report being denied medical care, a tactic often used to break their resolve. Tuberculosis, HIV, and other diseases run rampant due to poor sanitation and lack of medical supplies.
4. Unlawful Detention: Thousands of Ugandans are held in detention without trial, often for years. Amnesty International estimates that over 30% of prisoners are being held on remand beyond the lawful period, with many political prisoners never seeing their day in court.
5. Extrajudicial Killings and Disappearances: Between November 2020 and May 2021, during the post-election period, Ugandan security forces were responsible for over 100 extrajudicial killings, mostly targeting opposition supporters. Additionally, more than 400 individuals, mostly affiliated with the opposition, were abducted, many of whom are still missing.

Political Prisoners Coerced into Defecting to the NRM: Coercion of opposition figures into joining the NRM is not a new tactic. Over the years, several high-profile opposition leaders have been pressured into switching allegiances after being detained or harassed by security forces. Some of the notable figures include:

1. Muhammad Nsereko: Once a strong opposition figure, Nsereko was detained and later switched sides to cooperate with the NRM after alleged promises of political freedom.
2. Full Figure (Jennifer Nakangubi): Initially a strong supporter of Bobi Wine and NUP, Full Figure defected to the NRM, becoming one of the most vocal advocates for President Museveni. Her defection is widely believed to have been incentivized by promises of financial gain and political protection.
3. Balaam Barugahara: Once aligned with opposition figures, Balaam has since defected to the NRM and is actively involved in recruiting opposition members to the ruling party through similar coercive means.

The case of Olivia Lutaaya and her 31 co-accused is a stark example of how the NRM regime continues to use legal processes as a tool for political suppression. By coercing opposition figures into plea bargains, the regime seeks to undermine the NUP and weaken resistance against President Museveni’s authoritarian rule. The involvement of former NUP members like Balaam and Full Figure highlights the regime’s strategy of turning opposition figures into collaborators, further damaging the opposition’s credibility.

Human rights violations in Ugandan prisons remain rampant, with political detainees bearing the brunt of torture, overcrowding, and unlawful detention. As the case of Lutaaya and her co-accused unfolds, the international community must hold Uganda accountable for its violations of political and human rights. The ongoing coercion tactics, coupled with the deteriorating prison conditions, reveal a deepening crisis for democracy and justice in Uganda.