In Kampala, outgoing Mawokota South legislator Yusuf Nsibambi has revealed that nearly 80 individuals he characterizes as political detainees could soon walk free following what he described as direct talks with senior members of the Executive. His remarks have sparked fresh debate about reconciliation efforts in the aftermath of Uganda’s contentious general election.
Speaking during a weekly media engagement organized by the Uganda Law Society, Nsibambi disclosed that he held meetings with high-ranking government representatives and received assurances that steps were underway to secure the detainees’ release. He portrayed the discussions as part of broader attempts to cool political temperatures following weeks of heightened tension.
Nsibambi also used the platform to urge Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), to end his self-imposed absence and return home. According to him, meaningful dialogue between the opposition and government cannot take shape while the party’s principal figure remains outside the country.
The appeal comes in the wake of the January 15, 2026 general election that saw President Yoweri Museveni declared winner, extending his leadership to a seventh term. The electoral season was marred by heavy security deployment and the arrest of hundreds of opposition supporters, many of whom remain incarcerated on charges critics argue are politically motivated.
Since the day after the vote, Kyagulanyi has remained out of public view, citing what he described as a nighttime military operation at his residence in Magere. He has alleged that security operatives mistreated his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, prompting her and their children to seek safety abroad.
From an undisclosed location, the NUP president has continued to challenge the legitimacy of the election results, pointing to alleged irregularities and human rights abuses. He has also advocated for targeted international sanctions against President Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, arguing that external pressure is necessary to address what he calls systemic injustices.
Meanwhile, the Uganda Police Force insists that Kyagulanyi faces no outstanding criminal charges and is free to return and engage in lawful political activities. Government spokespersons have echoed that position, urging him to utilize institutional channels rather than remain in hiding.
