There is a lot of joy and celebration among the Ugandan opposition after Sam Mugumya, a Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) activist and former aide to opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, was released from prison in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where he had been jailed for eight years.
Mugumya has been jailed at DR Congo’s Ndolo Prison. He had been arrested among nearly 180 Ugandan nationals accused of engaging in subversive activities. Others arrested with Mugumya were Aggrey Kamukama, Joseph Kamugisha, Steven Mugisha, and Nathan Bright. They were reportedly caught with dollars and sensitive documents, whose details remain unknown.
The Ugandan government said it was unable to cause the extradition of Mugumya and his co-accused since there was no extradition treaty between Kampala and Kinshasa. As such, they had to face the Congolese judicial system.
Now, after eight years in prison, Mugumya appeared holding a placard with words ‘Free at Last.’ He was donning a t-shirt and black jeans, with his bags and standing outside the Ndolo Prison where he has been incarcerated for nearly one decade.
His party the FDC, whose President is Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA), said: “After eight years of illegal detention in Ndolo Military Prison in Democratic Republic of Congo, our political activist Sam Mugumya has now gained temporary freedom. We shall keep you updated on this encouraging development. Injustice will be quelled through the struggle.”
OPPOSITION REACT TO NEWS OF SAM MUGUMYA RELEASE FROM DR CONGO NDOLO PRISON
Here is how Ugandan opposition reacted to news of Sam Mugumya’s release from the Ndolo Prison of DR Congo:
Sacrifice is the pinnacle of patriotism. Sam Mugumya has aspired to be a hero, rather than appear to be one. After eight years in military detention in DRC (Ndolo Military Prison), he is finally free today. Mugumya is a fighter that never quits and never gives up. — Ronald Muhinda (Besigye aide)
God is good. God is good God is good. The eight years detention is finally over. Mugumya Sam is out but four more colleagues are still serving their sentences. Efforts to secure the freedom of everyone continue. We shall overcome! — Moses Byamugisha (Sam Mugumya’s friend)
Such heartwarming news! Delighted to learn that after 8 years under military detention in the DRC, our brother and comrade Sam Mugumya is free. Testament to the enormous sacrifices many people have had to make in pursuit of freedom and democracy for Uganda! We shall overcome! — Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine (NUP President)
When the books of history are written, this brother Sam Mugumya will be remembered for his strength, his sacrifice, his endurance and his sacrifices for a better country. Think about eight years in military detention in a foreign country! Welcome back comrade. Aluta continua. — David Lewis Rubongoya (NUP Secretary General)
Eight years in hell did not break you. Sam Mugumya, to me you are not just a soldier, you are a General — Simon Wanyera (FDC activist)
It should be remembered that besides Sam Mugumya, there are a number of Ugandans who were jailed or harassed by the Museveni regime for associating with the Dr Besigye-led struggle. Years ago, Besigye’s own brother Joseph Musasizi died under mysterious circumstances after being imprisoned at Bushenyi’s Nyamushekyera Prison for killing a man who never existed. (Read Shocking Details Here).
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