Nine opposition supporters are expected to regain their freedom today after spending close to six years in detention without trial, bringing to an end a long period that has drawn criticism from opposition leaders and human rights advocates. The group is expected to be released after being referred to the Amnesty Commission to complete the final process before leaving custody.
Those expected to be released are Yasin Ssekitoleko, also known as Machete, Kalanzi Sharif, Kintu Abdallah, Gibusiwa Abdukarim, Musa Kavuma, Joseph Muwonge, Jimmy Galukande and Patrick Mwase. They have remained in detention for nearly six years as their cases continued without a final conclusion.
According to the update, the detainees had eventually agreed to plead guilty to charges they insist they did not commit after spending years behind bars. However, it is claimed that the authorities later changed course and instead directed them to apply for amnesty before they could be released.
The military court is said to have sent the group to the Amnesty Commission, where they are expected to receive Amnesty Certificates. The certificates are expected to complete the legal process required before they are officially released.
Supporters have welcomed the development but also expressed concern over what could happen after the detainees leave the Amnesty Commission. They said they hope the group will be allowed to return home freely without any further restrictions.
The statement also referred to previous incidents in which some released individuals were allegedly taken to Kyankwanzi instead of being allowed to reunite immediately with their families. Supporters say they hope the same will not happen to the nine expected to be released today.
The prolonged detention of the group has continued to attract criticism from opposition leaders and human rights campaigners, who argue that keeping suspects in custody for years without trial undermines confidence in the country’s justice system.
Although those backing the detainees strongly condemned what they described as abuse of the criminal justice system, they also welcomed the expected release as an important step toward restoring the freedom of the nine men after nearly six years in detention.
Families, friends and supporters are now eagerly waiting for the release process to be completed so that the nine can finally reunite with their loved ones after one of the longest periods of detention in recent years.
