Top Story: NUP’s Mufumbiro, Madaada Remanded to Luzira Over Alleged Military Drills
Kampala, Uganda — Two officials from the National Unity Platform (NUP), including the party’s Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro and Sauda Madaada, have been charged and remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations of conducting unlawful military drills and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The duo appeared on Wednesday before the Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court, where Grade One Magistrate Damalie Agumasiimwe read the charges stemming from a February 12 gathering at NUP’s offices in Makerere-Kavule, Kawempe Division.
According to the prosecution, the accused participated in a meeting involving military-style training and drills without the required permission from the Minister of Internal Affairs, a violation of Section 45(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act.
They were further charged with conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 363 of the Penal Code Act, allegedly alongside seven other NUP members, several of whom are already in custody.
A Widening Crackdown
Those previously charged in connection with the same case include Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Edwin Serunkuuma alias Eddie King Kabenja, Sharif Lukenge, Yasin Nyanzi, and Tonny Kaweesi.
Edward Sebuufu (Eddie Mutwe) and Achileo Kivumbi, believed to be the first arrested in the case, have now spent nearly five months on remand.
Madaada, who was recently nominated as an independent candidate for Kampala Central Division Councillor after failing to secure the NUP ticket, was arrested at the Uganda–Kenya border in Busia.
She was later transferred to Kampala and detained at Kira Road Police Station, where she joined Mufumbiro, who had been arrested earlier on Monday outside Kawempe court.
Bail Application Denied — For Now
Both Madaada and Mufumbiro denied the charges and applied for bail, presenting a team of high-profile sureties, including:
- Baligeya Moses Mufumbiro (63), father of the accused
- Hon. Ronald Balimwezo (55), MP for Nakawa East
- Edith Katende (43), wife of Mufumbiro
- Zahara Luyurika Maara (40), KCCA Speaker
- Ronald Serunjogi, and
- Kawempe Division Mayor Lukoda Kariim
Despite the strong list of sureties, the court opted to remand the pair until September 29, 2025, pending the prosecution’s response to the bail application.
Mufumbiro: “I Am Not Afraid of Prison”
Speaking before the court session, Mufumbiro remained defiant, expressing unwavering loyalty to NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine.
“I am not afraid of prison. Our struggle is not about individuals; it is about building a better Uganda and establishing a truly independent judiciary,” he stated.
The case comes amid increasing tensions between state authorities and opposition activists, with the NUP accusing the government of targeting its members through arbitrary arrests and politically motivated charges.
Observers say the outcome of this case could have significant implications for Uganda’s political landscape, especially as the country heads toward future electoral contests.
