16 Opposition Leaders In Uganda Sentenced To 5 Years Imprisonment By A Military Court

16 members of Uganda's opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), have been sentenced to five years imprisonment by a military court in Uganda.

Lawyer representing the accused, Shamin Malende, confirmed the court ruling on Wednesday October 23, 2024  after finding them guilty of illegal possession of explosive devices and ‘treachery’. 

The court ruled that their jail term will be reduced to three years and 22 days due to the years the defendants have already spent in custody while awaiting trial.

Malende indicated that the defense team is considering an appeal, arguing that the accused are victims of ‘injustice.’

The prosecution alleged that the defendants were found in possession of explosives between November 2020 and May 2021, during a period of heightened political tension in Uganda leading up to the elections.

NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine however beileved that  the 16 were  coerced into pleading guilty  and the defendants were pressured to seek a presidential pardon.

Malende emphasized that the defense team is actively exploring all options, including an appeal, stating, “All that has happened to them is injustice, and we can’t allow injustice to prevail over innocent people.”

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