Edward Ssebuufu alias Eddie Mutwe, who is part of the last batch of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s supporters released today on bail by the Court Martial says he has not been given help by granting him temporary freedom from Kitalya prison.
The group has been on remand on charges of illegal possession of ammunition since their arrest from Kalangala district during a campaign rally by then-presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu on December 30 last year.
Mutwe told reporters on Monday that he committed no offence and is falsely accused.
“I want to thank Bobi Wine, Ugandans and our legal team for standing with us through out the time we spent on remand and visiting us as well as our families. I thank you for the courage you instilled in us,” he said.
He says many of them who were in detention for the first time were encouraged by colleagues who had been detained earlier. He claims that there are many people in detention who have never been presented to court.
“Many of the inmates don’t even know when they will return to or appear in court yet many more suspects are ferried-in on a daily,” he alleges.
Mutwe who broke into tears while expressing his appreciation to Bukeni alias Nubian Li with whom they have been on remand, said the latter stood so firm with them while in detention.
“Thank you so much for sticking to the cause, we shall not relent, and as for me, I don’t consider my release and a help extended to me, he had to release me because I committed no offense,” said Eddie Mutwe.
On his part, Nubian Li decried what he called overcrowding in Kitalya prison. He aldo promised not to back off efforts to ‘liberate’ this country.
“We are not scared, we are not scared of the truth. We shall stick to the truth and fight for it because enough is enough. The over 35 years are too much, there is no such democracy,” he said.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu thanked Ugandans and the NUP legal team for prayers and efforts to have Eddie Mutwe and group released.
“Today is a monumental day, we thank God that we have met in person with our brothers who were incarcerated. This is another batch of the many comrades that were arrested in Kalagala on December 30. These people were tortured, beaten, humiliated for no reason whatsoever. They were thrown in Kitalya prison where they have been languishing for close to six months,” Bobi Wine told reporters on Monday.
On his part, Mathias Mpuuga, the Leader of opposition, said that the offenses are politically motivated but expressed pleasure over their resilience.
“The 18 who have been released today, like many other National Unity Platform supporters, are facing politically motivated charges before the military court martial. Glad that they’re still strong and committed to our cause,” said Mpuuga.
The other accused individuals who have been released today include Hassan Ssemakula alias Abdul Souldier, Kenny Kyalimpa, Lukeman Mwijukye alias Kampala, Daniel Onywerot alias Dan Magic, Robert Kivumbi alias Mighty Family, Ibrahim Tamale, and Muzafuru Mwanje alias Main Gate.
The others are Achileo Kivumbi, Joseph Onzima alias Tawa, Anthony Agaba alias Bobi Young, Brian Ssemanda alias Dictator Museveni Must Go, Richard Kalema alias Ricardo, Geoffrey Mutalya, Alex Karamagi alias Doggy City, Isma Muganga alias Jaja Isma and Baker Kalyango.
They were ordered to report twice a month before the Court Registrar and restricted their movements within Kampala and Wakiso Districts.
