The General Court Martial chaired by General Freeman Mugabe has handed down sentences to 16 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), convicting them on charges of treachery and issuing a caution for possession of explosives.
Court has ruled that they attempted to overthrow the Government of Uganda, and were in possession of 13 pieces of bombs.
They have been sentenced to five years in prison, however, after mitigating factors, the convicts will serve three months and 22 days on remand.
The group faces charges related to acts of treachery, which the court described as actions against national security interests.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that the group was found in possession of 13 explosives, raising concerns about their potential intent. However, the court issued only a caution on this charge, taking into consideration the evidence presented.
The presiding officer at the court emphasized that while the possession of explosives is a serious offense, the court opted for leniency due to mitigating factors, including the lack of proof that the convicts planned to use them for harm.
The court acknowledged that the convicts had already served part of their sentence while on remand, which influenced the relatively brief sentence.
This ruling comes amid heightened political tensions in Uganda, where the NUP, led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), has been a vocal opposition .
NUP members have faced various legal challenges in recent years, with accusations often revolving around national security concerns.
The Court Martial’s decision is likely to stir further debate, particularly among human rights groups, who have expressed concern over the military court’s handling of civilian political activists.
While the convicts are set to serve their remaining sentence, their legal representatives have not ruled out the possibility of appealing the decision.