Kampala, Uganda – November 13, 2024 – In a shocking development, President Yoweri Museveni has announced a pardon for opposition political prisoners from the National Unity Platform (NUP), following an initiative by his minister, Balam.
This move comes on the heels of previous pardons, including the release of 200 prisoners in August 2023 on public health and humanitarian grounds, and 130 convicted minor offenders on October 15, 2024. The President’s decision is expected to ease tensions and foster a more conducive political environment in Uganda.
Related Key Developments:
– Previous Pardons: President Museveni has a history of granting pardons, including 833 prisoners in 2020 to decongest prison facilities amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 79 prisoners in 2022, and 200 prisoners in 2023.
– Presidential Pardon: Museveni’s decision to pardon NUP political prisoners follows previous pardons, demonstrating his commitment to mercy and reconciliation.
– Minister Balam’s Initiative: The minister’s efforts played a crucial role in securing the pardon, highlighting the importance of dialogue and cooperation.
– NUP Reaction: The National Unity Platform has yet to release an official statement on the pardon, but supporters are eagerly awaiting the release of their loved ones.
– Political Implications: This move may signal a shift towards reconciliation and dialogue between the government and opposition parties.
President Yoweri Museveni has agreed to pardon opposition political prisoners from the National Unity Platform (NUP) following an initiative by his minister, Balam. This move is a significant development in Uganda’s political landscape.
According to sources, Museveni has exercised his prerogative of mercy in the past, pardoning prisoners on public health and humanitarian grounds. In August 2023, he pardoned 200 prisoners, including former Permanent Secretary at Public Service, Jimmy Lwamafa. More recently, on October 15, 2024, he granted pardon to 130 convicted prisoners.
The opposition Democratic Party had implored Museveni to release hundreds of NUP supporters detained across the country. This plea, combined with Minister Balam’s initiative, likely influenced the President’s decision.
The pardon is expected to ease tensions and foster a more conducive political environment in Uganda. NUP supporters and Ugandans at large await the release of their loved ones, hopeful that this move will mark a new era of reconciliation and dialogue.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds. Ugandans remain hopeful that this pardon will pave the way for greater unity and progress.
