Uganda convicts 16 opposition members of treason

A Ugandan military tribunal convicted 16 members of the opposition National Unity Platform for “illegal possession of explosive devices and treachery,” during the election period from November 2020 to May 2021. The legitimacy of the proceedings was questioned by defence lawyer Shamim Malende.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine accused the group of being coerced into pleading guilty and seeking a presidential pardon. The session was held behind closed doors, excluding journalists. The 16 individuals, who have already served four years in prison, will be sentenced on Wednesday.

Uganda, under Yoweri Museveni’s rule since 1986, faced allegations of fraud in the 2021 presidential election. Protests against Bobi Wine’s repeated arrests were violently suppressed, leading to 54 deaths. Bobi Wine believes that accountability will come for those in power, stating that the accused were “blackmailed by state agents.”

Source: AFP

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