Controversial Ugandan public figure Nobert Twizire, widely known as Nobat Events, has finally broken his silence after spending roughly six weeks behind bars, alleging that his arrest was driven by political motives tied to his recent appointment within the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
Claims Appointment Sparked Backlash
In his first public remarks since regaining freedom, Nobat asserted that his elevation to the role of National Coordinator in the PLU unsettled certain individuals who, he claims, set out to damage his reputation and use his name as a distraction from other matters.
He pointed to the position as the root of a campaign against him, suggesting that critics wanted to exploit his public profile to shift attention away from issues they preferred not to address.
Revisiting the SACCO Funds Controversy
Nobat also returned to the dispute over SACCO funds that ultimately led to his detention. He maintained that his organisation had nothing to conceal and offered a breakdown of how the money was allocated.
According to him, of the Shs10b reportedly provided by President Yoweri Museveni, his SACCO received only Shs1b, while two other SACCOs were each given Shs4.5b. He insisted that the funds entrusted to his group were distributed to the intended beneficiaries.
He alleged that those unhappy with the distribution arrangement orchestrated his arrest despite his insistence that members had received their share.
"The issues involve politics because of the position I got in PLU as the National Coordinator, which hurt many people. But the main reason was that they wanted to ride on my name and stage a diversion," he said.
Release Before Scheduled Court Date
Nobat had been expected back in court on November 16 for the hearing of his case. He declined to explain the circumstances surrounding his release ahead of that date, stating that such questions would be better directed to the judges.
Olive Branch to the Prime Minister
Turning to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Nobat said he does not hold her personally responsible for his arrest, acknowledging that she was carrying out her official duties. Nevertheless, he believes she should have given him a chance to present his side of the SACCO controversy before taking action that led to his detention.
"I don't blame her because she just played her role. But before ordering my arrest, she should have first listened to my side of the story, which she didn't," he stated.
Nobat revealed that he plans to formally write to the Prime Minister requesting an audience, where he hopes to explain in person his account of the contested SACCO funds saga.
