Five supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) have been charged and remanded to Luzira Prison on allegations of unlawful drilling, following the circulation of videos showing them conducting a military-style parade.
The accused are Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Serunkuuma Edwin alias Eddie King Kabenja, Lukenge Sharif, Yasin Nyanzi, and Tonny Kaweesi.
The group, which had been in police custody for about two weeks after their arrest from different locations across the country, was brought to court under heavy security. They arrived in police patrol trucks, commonly known as “drones,” as roads leading to the court were sealed off.
Access to the courtroom was restricted, with only those who could prove they were expected inside allowed entry.
The five join Edward Sebuufu alias Eddie Mutwe and Achileo Kivumbi, who had earlier been charged with the same offence before the Kawempe Chief Magistrates Court.
According to prosecution, on February 12, 2025, at the NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule, Wandegeya, Kawempe Division, the seven accused and others still at large attended a gathering without the permission of the Minister.
The assembly allegedly involved training participants in military exercises and movements, in violation of Section 45(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act. In a separate count, the accused are also charged with conspiring to commit a felony. Prosecution contends that on the same day and at the same venue, they allegedly agreed with others still at large to engage in unlawful drilling, an offence under Section 363 of the Penal Code Act.
All the accused pleaded not guilty and applied for bail, presenting relatives and friends as sureties. Their legal team—including Kakuru Tumusiime, Shamim Malende, Jonathan Erotu, Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, and Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa—argued that the sureties were substantial and that the charges were bailable.
Court was, however, informed that some proposed sureties, including Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the NUP Deputy Spokesperson, were blocked from accessing the court premises. Mufumbiro was later arrested and whisked away to an unknown location.
In response, Chief State Attorney Sharon Nambuya requested a one-month adjournment, saying her office was overwhelmed with numerous cases. She explained that more time was needed to verify affidavits and documents submitted in the bail application.
Nambuya warned that even if the court adjourned for two or three weeks, the prosecution would still not be ready to proceed. In her ruling, Magistrate Damalie Agumaasiimwe rejected the request for a month-long adjournment, noting the need to balance the interests of the accused with the concerns of the prosecution. She instead adjourned the matter to September 29, 2025, directing the DPP to file a response by then. For now, the accused remain on remand at Luzira Prison.