The manufacture and intended use of petrol bombs on different government officials, buildings, vehicles, and businesses known to regime supporters by Bobi Wine and the National Unity Platform (NUP) stalwarts has sparked sharp splitting within the party leadership and staunch supporters.
A source revealed that the mistrust and divisions have intensified following confessions by the NUP supporters who are being tried on charges of terrorism, treason, and unlawful possession of ammunition by the Makindye-based Military General Court Martial based in Makindye.
On Monday, October 14, 2024, Olivia Lutaya and the other 15 co-accused pleaded guilty to the charges against them in the Court Martial.
Lutaya and others accused the NUP leaders, especially Bobi Wine, of using them for his political interests. The group later requested to be pardoned by the authorities and drop the charges against them.
“Bobi Wine misled us to commit crimes, and he’s making money out of our suffering,” Sanya Muhuydin Musayi gwa Bobi said.
The confessions by the accused and pleading for mercy have sparked mixed reactions among the party supporters and leaders, with the majority questioning Bobi Wine’s double standards.
They blamed him for only negotiating the release of his close friends, including fellow singer Nubian Li and personal bodyguard Eddie Mutwe, who were arrested together with the Lutaya’s group.
“Olivia Lutaaya, welcome home and to freedom. While Bobi Wine managed to negotiate the release of his close friends Nubian Li, Eddy Mutwe, and Selector Dave from prison, he never bothered to negotiate your release,” Sylvia Namutyaba, a NU supporter, said.
Namutyaba also expressed her disappointment with NUP leaders, including Bobi Wine, who has been frequenting Luzira prison, ill-advising the accused not to accept the charges against them.
She revealed how the NUP leadership has been using the accused’s situation for public sympathy and political relevancy, as well as soliciting funds from the West.
It’s alleged that between 2020 and May 2021, Olivia Lutaya and her co-accused formed a force called the Bali Bali Group and were involved in the manufacture, distribution, and detonation of petrol bombs within the areas of Kireka, Nakulabye, Kawempe, Nateete, Nakasero, Jinja, and Mbale.
It is also alleged that the group used the petrol bombs to burn several government and private vehicles in Kireka and Vat Katwe police stations. They also attacked Prime petrol station and Loris petrol station, both in Kasangati town council, Kira Municipality.