National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya has expressed deep disappointment over the actions of some recently pardoned party supporters who have aligned themselves with the regime that once detained and tortured them. Rubongoya’s remarks come amid public controversy surrounding the pardoned individuals, who had been imprisoned for nearly four years on charges of treason and illegal possession of ammunition.
Speaking in a statement, Rubongoya emphasized that his disappointment did not stem from personal betrayal but from seeing these individuals manipulated by the very regime responsible for their suffering. “They are being used by the same criminals who abducted them, tortured them, paraded them before military courts, and subjected them to humiliation,” he said.
The National Unity Platform leader expressed sadness over the shift in allegiance by individuals his party had fought hard to support during their detention. He highlighted how some of them now praise and even kneel before the regime figures who robbed them of their freedom and dignity. Rubongoya suggested that their statements, seemingly praising the government, may have been coerced and do not reflect their true feelings.
Despite his frustration, Mr. Rubongoya encouraged National Unity Platform members to remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting political prisoners, regardless of how some beneficiaries of their efforts may respond. “We do this work to serve humanity, not to be appreciated by mortals,” he said, urging the party to focus on its principles rather than seek recognition.
The remarks follow public statements by two of the pardoned individuals, Sanya Muhydin and Joseph Muganza, who accused National Unity Platform and its leader, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, of exploiting them. Muhydin alleged that Kyagulanyi had paid them to initiate protests but abandoned them after their arrests. Both individuals denied receiving government benefits after their release, despite speculation to the contrary.
Their allegations have drawn mixed reactions, with some accusing the government of coercing them into making these claims. State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs in the ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, dismissed such allegations, stating that the pardoned individuals should focus on rehabilitating their lives through government programs.
Rubongoya reiterated NUP’s dedication to its cause, urging members to continue fighting for justice and supporting detainees and their families, even when their efforts are met with ingratitude. “Never give up doing good,” he said, reminding supporters to remain focused on the bigger picture of their party.
