During a press briefing, Balaam shared details of a letter allegedly written by Lutaaya requesting a presidential pardon. The letter reveals that on October 15, 2024, she and 18 other NUP detainees sought help from the Commissioner General of Prisons to appeal for clemency from President Museveni. In the correspondence, Lutaaya acknowledged her conviction and expressed remorse for her actions.
Despite her earlier claims of coercion after her release, Balaam maintained that Lutaaya’s statements lack credibility. He emphasized the importance of mental health evaluations for individuals who have undergone significant stress during incarceration. Furthermore, he called on NUP members to embrace constructive political engagement rather than resorting to allegations against the government.
The ongoing situation has drawn attention to the broader issues surrounding political detainees in Uganda, with nine remaining NUP detainees reportedly applying for bail as they seek their own release.