Balaam Accused of Forcing NUP Supporters to Plead Guilty for Freedom

Hon. Balaam Barugahara, the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, is facing criticism from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and its supporters for allegedly coercing incarcerated NUP supporters to plead guilty in exchange for their freedom.

In response to the backlash, Barugahara defended his actions, claiming that he is working tirelessly to secure the release of the remanded youth.

“The recent backlash from NUP leaders and supporters regarding our efforts to free the remanded NUP youth is misguided. They are exploiting these youth for political gain, which we are now trying to neutralize,” Balaam asserted. He expressed concern that political actors are manipulating the situation to further their agenda rather than focusing on the welfare of the imprisoned youth.

Balaam revealed that families of the incarcerated individuals have contacted him, offering gifts such as chickens and goats in gratitude for his efforts. However, he declined these offerings, stating, “What I want is for these young people of productive age to regain their freedom, get out of jail, be rehabilitated, and work.”

The minister emphasized the importance of peace and unity among Ugandans, regardless of political affiliations, and urged for a collaborative legal process to facilitate the swift release of the youth. “The president has no power to pardon unless someone has been sentenced. So the option available is to cooperate and put in their submissions very fast so that we can have a speedy and fair trial,” he explained.

Critics, however, allege that Barugahara’s approach compromises the integrity of the judicial system. They claim that the pressure to plead guilty undermines the legal rights of the accused, turning their plight into a political tool. Balaam further accused NUP of using the legal challenges faced by their supporters to solicit funds from donors and the diaspora, suggesting that the party’s focus is more on financial gain than on the welfare of its members.

“We should stop using young people as betting tools. Even in court, you can negotiate,” he noted, referencing how Bobi Wine and others successfully negotiated their legal situations in the past.

In closing, Barugahara called on the Uganda Law Society to educate the public about the legal processes available for prisoners seeking release. He reiterated his commitment to promoting clean politics, urging young people to engage in political discourse with maturity and respect. “We must reject deceptive tactics and embrace transparency and accountability in our politics,” he stated, reinforcing his belief in a politically stable Uganda.