The State is preparing to present Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, former Head of Mobilization for the National Unity Platform (NUP), as a key witness in a case involving 21 party leaders and supporters accused of carrying out unlawful military-style drills.
Speaking to the media, NUP lawyer Kakuru Tumusiime said Nyanzi is one of two witnesses the prosecution plans to call. The other is police officer Soma Armstrong.
Tumusiime also revealed that court once again denied the accused bail, citing the case as one of public interest. The hearing has been pushed to May 15.
For context, on February 17, 2025, Nyanzi—elder brother to NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi—was reportedly abducted by armed men at Kubbiri Roundabout. He was held for four days before being released near his home without any charges.
In a later interview on Sanyuka TV, Nyanzi said he was interrogated about a parade held on February 12 at NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule. He admitted that he provided names of individuals who took part.
“They asked me to name those who attended the parade, and I gave the names I knew,” Nyanzi said.
His remarks sparked backlash among NUP supporters—commonly known as “foot soldiers”—with some accusing him of betrayal.
Months later, security agencies began arresting several NUP leaders and supporters in connection with the alleged drills. Among those charged are Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Edward Ssebuufu, Achileo Kivumbi, and Sauda Madada, among others.
Prosecutors allege that on February 12, at the NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, the accused and others still at large took part in an unauthorized gathering where military-style training, drills, and movements were conducted without approval from the Minister.
All the accused have denied the charges and remain on remand awaiting further court proceedings.