Army Court Advises Jailed NUP Bomb Suspects on Plea Bargain
On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, General Court Martial (GCM) Judge Advocate, Col. Richard Tukachungura, advised a group of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters accused of attempting to overthrow the Ugandan government to consult with the state on their plea bargain intentions before formally presenting them to the court.
On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, General Court Martial (GCM) Judge Advocate, Col. Richard Tukachungura, advised a group of National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters accused of attempting to overthrow the Ugandan government to consult with the state on their plea bargain intentions before formally presenting them to the court.
The state alleges that the defendants are members of a group called “Bali Bali,” involved in war-like activities against the government. The group, who have spent more than three years on remand, are facing charges of treachery and illegal possession of 13 explosive devices.
Defense attorneys, including George Musisi, Benjamin Katana, Captain Simon Nsubuga Busagwa, and Elizabeth Nyasingwa, revealed that some suspects wished to change their plea to guilty, while others sought a plea bargain.
Nyasingwa informed the court that two suspects, Paul Muwanzi and Joseph Muganza, intended to plead guilty to the charges. However, Col. Tukachungura urged caution, reminding the defense of the severe consequences of pleading guilty to capital offenses, which carry the potential for a death sentence.
He advised the defense to clarify their clients’ plea bargain intentions, collaborate with the state to agree on appropriate punishments, and then return to the court with a formal agreement.
The GCM Chairman, Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe, adjourned the case for two weeks, allowing both the defense and prosecution to finalize their plea bargain negotiations before the court reconvenes on September 9, 2024.
Prosecutors allege that between March and May 2021, the accused, under the “Bali Bali” group, engaged in recruitment, training, and detonation of explosive devices in various areas, including Kampala, Jinja, and Mbale, to undermine national security. They are also charged with illegal possession of explosive devices, typically restricted to the Defence Forces.
The prosecution team is led by Lt. Col. Raphael Mugisha, Capt. Ambroz Guma, and Capt. Alex Rasto Mukhwana.
