Olivia Lutaaya, one of the National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters recently pardoned by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has returned to the party’s headquarters after nearly four years in detention.
Lutaaya, convicted of treachery and unlawful possession of ammunition, was among 19 individuals granted a presidential pardon under the 1995 Constitution.
Her release was marked by dramatic events. According to NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, Lutaaya narrowly escaped an alleged abduction attempt by unknown operatives outside Luzira Prison.
“Upon getting out of prison, there was an attempt to kidnap her right outside the prison gates by unknown operatives.
She jumped on a boda-boda which drove her very fast straight to the National Unity Platform office,” Rubongoya said.
Rubongoya further described Lutaaya and her fellow NUP supporters as “prisoners of conscience” who were unjustly detained.
“After nearly 4 years of illegal detention without trial and a forced plea of guilt by the military court, Comrade Olivia Lutaaya is free at last,” he added.
Lutaaya’s arrest dates back to 2021 when she and other NUP supporters were accused of plotting attacks coinciding with President Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony.
Despite pleading guilty after years on remand, NUP officials maintain that the charges were politically motivated.
Lutaaya told the media she was glad returning to her party after a four-year absence.
She praised NUP for fighting hard for her freedom.
“I also appreciate NUP for taking care of our families during the time we spent in jail,” she added.
Her return to the NUP headquarters was celebrated by party members, who see her release as a victory in their continued struggle against the current government.
