The Kawempe Chief Magistrates Court has charged National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro and Sauda Madaada with unlawful drilling, conspiracy to commit a felony, and other related offenses.
They join seven other NUP members, including Edward Ssebufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe, head of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine)’s security detail.
Court Proceedings.
Prosecutors allege that on February 12, 2025, the accused and others still at large convened at the NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule, where they conducted unauthorized military-style drills, formations, and movements in violation of Section 45(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act.
On Wednesday, Chief State Attorney Sharon Nambuya presented an amended charge sheet, adding five new suspects to the case.
Grade One Magistrate Agumasiimwe Damalie read out four charges, including unlawful assembly and conspiracy to commit a felony. The accused pleaded not guilty and immediately applied for bail.
Prosecutors told the court they were not ready to respond, citing a heavy caseload and ongoing investigations. The magistrate adjourned the bail hearing to September 29, leaving the suspects on remand for at least three more weeks.
Alex Mufumbiro’s Statement
While handcuffed in court, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro recited the party slogan: “People Power, Our Power.” He told the court that during his detention, he was allegedly approached by unidentified individuals who offered him substantial sums of money to abandon NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). He said:
“I cannot and will not abandon Kyagulanyi. We do not support an individual; we support a system.”
His statement emphasized refusal to betray the party or its core principles despite the alleged offers.
State’s Position.
UPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye defended the arrests, linking them to what he described as a “military parade” staged by NUP’s “foot soldiers” in February. When asked about the timing of the arrests, he quoted Ecclesiastes 3: “to everything, there is a season.”
Authorities dismissed claims of political persecution, maintaining that the charges are based on alleged unlawful activities rather than political motivations.
NUP’s Response
NUP officials argue the arrests are politically motivated. Secretary-General David Lewis Rubongoya recalled widespread abductions during the 2021 election cycle, saying the current charges follow a familiar pattern of intimidation.
“In the last election they abducted four thousand of our members. Eighteen are still missing. Did Ddamulira or Kibalama ever participate in a parade?” Rubongoya asked.
Analysts’ View
Experts note the legal basis for the charges lies in colonial-era provisions of Uganda’s Penal Code. African military historian James Nkuubi said:
“We have seen a retreat into history. The law prohibits movements or assemblies seen as military in nature, a hangover from colonial control.”
Political analyst Imam Eid Kasozi described the arrests as part of a repeated cycle of harassment that could undermine NUP’s election readiness.
“It could be that they are trying to weaken NUP,” Kasozi said, “but the problem is that both NUP and its adversaries have fallen into the trap.”
Analysts warned that the detentions may force the opposition to focus on rescuing detained members instead of preparing for the 2026 campaigns.
Precedent of Suppression
The arrests add to growing concerns about the treatment of opposition figures in Uganda. The late Muhammad Ssegirinya, his colleague Allan Ssewanyana, and long-time opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye—now facing charges—have all been subjected to prolonged legal battles.
Outlook
With less than a year to the 2026 general elections, the case has sharpened concerns about shrinking democratic space. According to analysts, Uganda risks setting an example across Africa of how ruling governments may use the law to neutralize political rivals.
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