A military court in Uganda has sentenced 16 members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) to five years in prison for illegal possession of explosive devices and “treachery.”
However, the sentence will be reduced to three months and 22 days due to time already served in detention.
The accused, who pleaded guilty to the charges, were allegedly found in possession of explosives during the 2020-2021 election period.
NUP leader Bobi Wine claimed they were coerced into pleading guilty and sought a presidential pardon.
Defense lawyer Shamin Malende expressed dissatisfaction with the verdict, stating that the accused were victims of injustice and that an appeal is under consideration.
Uganda, under President Yoweri Museveni’s rule since 1986, has a history of suppressing dissent and targeting opposition figures.
The sentencing of these NUP members further highlights concerns about political freedoms and the erosion of democratic rights in the country.