NUP Member Lutaaya Freed After Museveni Pardon, Reveals Heartbreaking Ordeal
Olivia Lutaaya, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), was released from Luzira Women’s Prison today after being pardoned by President Museveni. Her release follows a period of intense hardship, and she has now broken her silence, sharing the details of her distressing experience.
Lutaaya revealed that while in prison, she and other political detainees were coerced into pleading guilty to charges they claim were fabricated. She explained that the regime pressured them into making this plea as a means to secure their release and avoid extended imprisonment. Balaam, an emissary sent by the government, allegedly told the prisoners that although the charges were false, they had no choice but to accept them in order to gain freedom.
The regime promised them jobs, housing, and financial support once they had served their sentences. Lutaaya’s account paints a picture of a system that used false charges and false promises to control political prisoners. Her emotional distress was evident as she recalled the lack of choice, leaving her and the others to plead guilty despite knowing their innocence.
Even after her release, Lutaaya faced danger. She described how a vehicle, known as a "drone" and filled with armed security personnel, was waiting outside the prison to abduct her and 18 other recently released detainees. Lutaaya was able to narrowly escape by fleeing on a passing motorbike, which took her safely to the NUP headquarters.
Lutaaya’s story reflects the ongoing risks and abuses political prisoners face under the current regime, even after being pardoned. The NUP has condemned the government’s treatment of political detainees, calling for an end to such practices and for the release of all political prisoners.
0 Comments