Sixteen National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, imprisoned for over four years, pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful possession of explosive devices and treachery.
In a surprising turn, they changed their plea on Monday from not guilty to guilty before the Makindye General Court Martial.
The group, including; Rashid Ssegujja, Robert Rugumayo, Muhymdin Kakooza, Simon Kijjambu, Abdul Matovu, Olivia Lutaaya, Mesearch Kiwanuka , Ibrahim Wandera, Asbert Nagwere, Steven Musakulu, Sharif Matovu, Devis Mafabi, Livingston Katushabe Kigozi, Swaibu Katabi and Stanley Lwanga.
One of the suspects, Muhymdin Kakooza, formerly a diehard NUP supporter, expressed remorse and asked President Museveni for forgiveness.
“We were deceived by Bobi Wine for personal financial gain. We accept responsibility and pledge to learn from this experience.” Kakooza.
The suspects were arrested in December 2020 during presidential campaigns and had multiple bail applications denied. Eight opposition MPs and a city mayor offered to stand surety, but the court deemed it insufficient.
Prosecution alleges the group possessed 13 explosive devices in various locations between November 2020 and May 2021.
Sources reveal that the accused individuals chose to plead guilty in an effort to secure their liberty, having lost hope of being freed after prolonged incarceration.
The matter has been adjourned to October 21 for the Prosecutors to read brief facts of the case regarding how the accused persons reportedly committed the crime before the Court can go ahead to convict them.