The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga has thrown his weight behind the Minister of State for Youth and Children,Balaam Barugahara over his efforts to secure the freedom of the Political Prisoners affiliated to the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Mayiga’s endorsement marks a notable step in the ongoing discourse surrounding the release of opposition political prisoners in the country who have been incarcerated for over three years.
In his speech to members of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), who had visited Mengo to demonstrate support for the impending marathon “Kabaka Birthday Run” yesterday, Katikkiro congratulated the recently appointed ministers. He challenged them to live up to their professed sense of patriotism by serving the people of Uganda without expecting anything in return. The Katikkiro called on the ministers to put Ugandans’ interests first in their ministerial duties, stressing the value of commitment and dedication to the country’s welfare.
“I am happy to greet the recently appointed ministers and wish them well in their productivity as they serve . I’m happy to see the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) assisting us in this admirable endeavor. The most priceless gift that God has given us is life. Your being here today to offer support shows true patriotism as we fight HIV, which has affected us all,” he said.
He also urged them to give attention to the issues that Ugandans are troubled by, pointing out that this is the only way to gain the people’s favor.
“A fresh passion for our nation is mostly dependent on fairness… We must maintain honesty and integrity in all that we do if we are to succeed in this. In order to ensure justice, I urge the Patriotic League of Uganda to assume leadership. Take the lead in battling corruption… Fighting corruption is how we can instill love and pride in our country back. Let’s get together to combat corruption, which has been a key contributing element to Ugandans’ unhappiness,” he declared.
“Moreover, let us embrace compassion and unity,” he said. Uganda is a large country with plenty of room for everyone to live in harmony. “For this reason, I applaud Honorable Barugahara for his promise to see to it that all NUP political prisoners are released. I wholeheartedly endorse his endeavor, as someone who hasn’t personally witnessed the appalling circumstances found inside prison walls might not appreciate the seriousness of the matter. Imagine spending three years behind bars without being given a chance to defend themselves! Think about how it has affected their parents, friends, kids, and relatives. Honorable Barugahara, resolving this issue will benefit the country and bring relief to people but it will also strengthen the Patriotic League of Uganda in the eyes of Ugandans.”
The initiative to release political prisoners associated with the opposition political party was spearheaded by Masaka-based NUP Councilor, Ali Kateregga. He escorted Minister Barugahara to the State House while wearing a red beret, where he passionately appealed to the President Museveni Kaguta to grant amnesty to all NUP political prisoners. Kateregga urged the President to view this act as a gesture akin to a gift of Idi to Ugandans and the families of those who have been incarcerated for more than three years.
Kateregga’s request was kindly accepted by the President Museveni, who then gave the minister instructions to get the list of political detainees. Minister Barugahara is currently hard working to ensure that the list consists of people whose cases do not entail murder. This methodical approach seeks to make it easier for the President to decide whether to pardon certain political prisoners as a gift of Idi.
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