The National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership is intensifying pressure on State Minister for Youths and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, urging him to uphold his commitment to locate and return 18 NUP supporters who have been missing for four years.
Balaam had pledged to address this issue following his recent appointment as minister. However, concerns have mounted after revelations in the High Court disclosed that only 6 out of the 18 missing persons have been accounted for in ongoing investigations.
In a pivotal session convened in Judge Esta Nambayo’s chambers, relatives of the missing NUP supporters, accompanied by their legal representatives, convened to discuss their filed case seeking the return of their loved ones.
Expressing disappointment, Judge Nambayo emphasized the lack of substantial progress in resolving the matter despite extensive engagement by various levels of leadership.
Lawyer George Musisi highlighted the government’s perceived delay in addressing the issue, pointing to affidavits submitted by state witnesses.
He urged Minister Balaam to uphold his promise to advocate for the release of all political prisoners, as previously committed.
Minister Balaam has been issued a 14-day ultimatum to address the situation, although skepticism persists among some relatives regarding his ability to fulfill the pledge given past government failures.
Efforts to reach Minister Balaam for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
Sworn affidavits from state witnesses, including police officers and soldiers, have revealed that only six of the missing persons have been located. The fate of the remaining 12 individuals, including John Bosco Kibalama, remains uncertain.
The court is slated to reconvene on April 24 to further deliberate on the matter, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the situation.
