delegation of opposition politicians who lost the January 15 polls led by Mawokota South Member of Parliament Yusuf Nsibambi on Thursday met President Kaguta Museveni at State House Entebbe.
The meeting centred on national stability and reconciliation in the aftermath of the January 15 general elections.
Nsibambi said they met Museveni mainly to calm down political tensions following massive arrests of opposition politicians and supporters during the highly charged election period.
“The meeting was about peace and reconciliation for the development and stability of the country, especially after the general elections that left some people’s tempers high,” Nsibambi said in an exclusive interview with NBS TV.
He revealed that the fate of hundreds of political prisoners featured prominently in the discussions, with the delegation appealing to the President to consider granting a pardon.
“The issue of political prisoners was first on the agenda, and we asked the President to consider granting them a pardon,” Nsibambi said.
The opposition MPs also raised concerns over the incarceration of Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, calling for an independent and thorough investigation into his case.
“We asked the President to have a proper inquest into Kivumbi’s case and not to believe in the existing propaganda,” Nsibambi said.
Responding to criticism from some opposition circles over his decision to meet the President without wider consultation, Nsibambi defended his actions, saying he acted independently and in the national interest.
“No one sent me to the opposition. I’m an elected MP, and I’ll engage with whoever I deem necessary for the good of my constituents and the country,” he said.
Other opposition legislators who attended the meeting included Okot Bitek of Kioga County (FDC), and former Kasese Municipality MP Robert Centenary, Moses Kabusu of Kyamuswa County (PFF), Roland Ndyomugyenyi of Rukiga County, and former Kawempe North MP Latif Ssebagala.
Robert Centenary Deputy President of FDC Western, Mukono South MP Fred Kayondo of DP, Richard Lumu of Mityana South (DP), among others.