National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, publicly denounces collusion between security forces and the judiciary in covertly detaining party loyalists. Faustine Masaba and Hussein Mumbya found themselves behind bars at Bugungu Prison following what NUP president Bobi Wine labels as a secretive court hearing devoid of legal counsel.
Bobi Wine’s outcry stems from weeks of uncertainty surrounding Masaba and Mumbya’s disappearance in Mbale, with all attempts to locate them proving futile. NUP legal representatives resorted to filing a habeas corpus, a legal instrument demanding the production of the suspects either alive or dead, in a bid to secure their freedom.
Voicing his discontent on social media, Bobi Wine asserts, “After several weeks of incommunicado detention and torture by the military, our comrades Masaba Faustine and Mumbya Hussein were yesterday sneaked into a court in Njeru town and charged in the absence of their lawyers and family. Apparently, these comrades – who did not know each other before – are being accused of jointly burning shops in Njeru!”
“The criminal regime abducted them for political reasons but when our legal team applied for a Habeas Corpus order which was scheduled to be heard today, the regime rushed them to court which remanded them to Bugungu Prison. Our welfare and human rights team has checked on them today and they reported that they were gravely tortured. Nevertheless, they remain committed to the cause for a better country. #FreeAllPoliticalPrisonersUganda #BringBackOurPeople“
Despite reports of brutal torture, NUP leaders Masaba and Mumbya remain steadfast in their dedication to the nation’s betterment, as confirmed by NUP president Bobi Wine and his human rights team. This incident compounds the suffering of over 50 incarcerated NUP adherents facing political allegations, many of whom were detained during or after the 2021 general elections.
This scenario unfolds amidst ongoing legal skirmishes, with NUP persistently advocating for the release of 18 missing supporters, initially acknowledged by the government but later disowned, raising serious apprehensions regarding civil liberties in the nation.
After several weeks of incommunicado detention and torture by the military, our comrades Masaba Faustine and Mumbya Hussein were yesterday sneaked into a court in Njeru town and charged in the absence of their lawyers and family. Apparently, these comrades – who did not know each… pic.twitter.com/xrVikc3pvF
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) May 9, 2024
