Lutaaya was arrested on November 7, 2025, during the campaign trail of NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, and had remained on remand over charges of unlawful drilling.
Announcing her release, the NUP said Lutaaya had finally reunited with fellow party members after enduring what it described as nearly a full year of detention on trumped-up charges.
“Comrade Olivia Lutaaya has finally reunited with us after braving nearly a full year under detention on trumped-up charges of unlawful drilling since her arrest from Mbarara on November 7th, 2025,” the party said in a statement posted on its official X account.
The party further recalled that Lutaaya had previously spent close to five years in military detention between 2021 and 2024, describing her continued incarceration as a heavy price she had paid for her commitment to the struggle for freedom.
NUP president Kyagulanyi also confirmed speaking to Lutaaya following her release, welcoming her back and commending her for remaining committed to the party despite what he described as persistent persecution by the government.
“A short while ago, I spoke with our comrade Olivia Lutaaya and welcomed her back from the long period of unjustified detention. I am glad that her conviction has not been diminished by the criminal regime’s persistent persecution,” Kyagulanyi said.
He added that he had assured her that the sacrifices she and other NUP supporters had made in pursuit of a better country would not be in vain.
“I assured her that the immense sacrifice she, together with other comrades, have made for a better country will never be in vain,” he said.
Lutaaya’s release comes amid continued political tensions surrounding the activities of opposition politicians and supporters, particularly during election campaigns.