Five More NUP Supporters Remanded Over Alleged Kavule Military Drills
The Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded five more supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) to Luzira Prison on charges of unlawful military training allegedly conducted at the party’s Makerere-Kavule headquarters.
The accused — Calvin Tasi (alias Bobi Giant), Edwin Serunkuuma (alias Eddie King Kabenja), Sharif Lukenge, Yasin Nyanzi, and Tonny Kaweesi — appeared before Grade One Magistrate Damalie Agumasiimwe on Monday. Their file was merged with an earlier one containing Edward Sebuufu (alias Eddy Mutwe) and Achileo Kivumbi, who were already in custody on related charges.
Prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Sharon Nambuya, presented an amended charge sheet linking all seven to alleged activities at the NUP offices on February 12, 2025.
Authorities claim the group, alongside others still at large, organized an unauthorized meeting where they carried out “military training, movements, and drills” without ministerial approval.
They also face a second count of conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 45(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act. All accused pleaded not guilty.
Defense lawyers Samuel Mulindwa Muyizi and Shamim Malende sought bail for the suspects. However, prosecution objected, citing workload pressures and pending investigations, and requested a month to file affidavits.
Magistrate Agumasiimwe adjourned the matter to September 29, when bail applications will be heard. Until then, the suspects will remain at Luzira Prison.
The courtroom atmosphere grew tense and emotional as the accused interacted with their families.
A visibly weak Achileo Kivumbi asked for water and stayed seated throughout the session, while Eddy Mutwe also complained of ill health.
Outside, relatives and supporters were blocked from entering by heavily deployed security, sparking anger among NUP leaders.
Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi condemned the developments, accusing authorities of intimidation and delaying tactics.
“We have consistently seen our supporters being arrested, abducted, and frustrated in court processes. This is unlawful and unacceptable,” he said.
Defense lawyers echoed these concerns, warning that other NUP leaders, including Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, were being targeted for arrest.
Separately, the same court also heard a different case involving 33 NUP supporters, among them MPs Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East) and Muwada Nkunyinji (Kyadondo East).
They face charges of incitement to violence, obstruction of traffic, and malicious damage to property.
That case stalled after lawyer Samuel Muyizi told court that defense had petitioned the Chief Magistrate for a review of file handling and demanded full disclosure of prosecution evidence.
A heated exchange between defense lawyers and State Attorney Nambuya briefly forced the magistrate to suspend proceedings and summon both sides into chambers. The session later resumed but was adjourned without progress.
For now, the seven accused in the Kavule drill case will remain in custody until the end of September, while the case involving the 33, including two legislators, awaits further direction from the Chief Magistrate.
