By Robert Segawa
Police have confirmed the arrest of 10 members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) over allegations of participating in illegal military drills at the party’s headquarters in Kavule, Makerere, Kampala earlier this year.
According to police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, nine of the suspects have already been arraigned before courts of law, while one female suspect is expected to appear in court soon.
The suspects who appeared before the Kawempe Magistrate’s Court include; Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Serunkuuma Edwin alias Eddie King Kabenja, Lukenge Sharif, Nyanzi Yasin and Kaweesi Tonny
They are accused of conducting unauthorized military training activities at the NUP offices on February 12th, 2025.
While addressing the media at police headquarters in Naguru, Rusoke criticized claims made by NUP politicians that their supporters were being kidnapped. He emphasized that police have the constitutional mandate to arrest, detain, and present suspects in court in connection to any criminal activity.
“There are people on social media asking why NUP supporters aren’t simply summoned. But we don’t send summons to defilers, rapists, or murderers, so why should we do that in this case?” Rusoke asked.
He reiterated that all arrests were conducted legally, with suspects being detained in gazetted police cells before being charged in court.
Rusoke also revealed that police have a list of other individuals suspected of participating in similar unlawful military drills, though he declined to make the names public at this stage.
He dismissed suggestions that suspects should be given notice before being arrested, insisting that police will continue to carry out arrests at any time, in line with their mandate.
“Those who are not satisfied with the current law against unlawful military training should petition Parliament to have it amended,” Rusoke added.
