The Deputy Spokesperson of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, was on Monday dramatically arrested by security operatives outside Kawempe Magistrates Court.
According to NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, who posted on X (formerly Twitter), Waiswa was “violently grabbed and pushed by the military into a silver Noah, registration number UAK 368K, and whisked away to an unknown location.”
The incident occurred shortly after Waiswa had stepped out of court, where proceedings were underway in the case involving senior NUP mobilizer Edward Sebuufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, and several others accused of unlawful drilling.
It is not yet clear whether Waiswa’s arrest is connected to the ongoing case in which five NUP supporters—Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Serunkuuma Edwin alias Eddie King Kabenja, Lukenge Sharif, Yasin Nyanzi, and Tonny Kaweesi—were on Monday charged and remanded to Luzira Prison. The group is accused of conducting military-style drills at the party’s headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, Kawempe Division, without authorization from the Minister of Internal Affairs.
The five, who had been in detention for close to two weeks following their arrest from different parts of the country, were brought to court under tight security. They arrived in police trucks as security personnel sealed off roads leading to the court and restricted entry to the premises.
The accused joined Eddie Mutwe and Achileo Kivumbi, who had earlier been charged with similar offences under the Penal Code Act. Prosecution alleges that the group engaged in training activities resembling military exercises and further conspired to commit a felony.
During the bail hearing, lawyers representing the accused—including MPs Shamim Malende and Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola—presented sureties, among them Alex Waiswa. However, court was informed that Waiswa and other proposed sureties were blocked from accessing the courtroom. Minutes later, he was arrested outside and taken away by security operatives.
Chief State Attorney Sharon Nambuya requested a one-month adjournment, citing workload and the need to verify affidavits submitted in support of the bail application. However, Magistrate Damalie Agumaasiimwe declined the request, ruling instead that the case be adjourned to September 29, 2025.
The suspects will remain on remand at Luzira Prison as the state prepares its response. Meanwhile, the whereabouts and legal status of NUP Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa remain unknown by press time.