The head of mobilisation of the leading opposition political party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, has been abducted by armed personnel in Kampala, according to party officials.
The party’s president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine and Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya say Nyanzi was abducted on gunpoint from Kubbiri (Mulago) traffic lights before whisking him away in a drone.
“Chairman Nyanzi Fred Ssentamu, the National Unity Platform head of mobilisation, has been violently abducted on gunpoint from Kubbiri traffic lights and driven off in a drone. The impunity only keeps growing by the day,” Rubongoya posted on X, formerly Twitter on Monday.
In a separate post, Bobi Wine reaffirmed Rubongoya’s revealed, saying, however, that they will not be intimidated.
“Our comrade and Head of Mobilisation for National Unity Platform Comrade Nyanzi Fred Ssentamu has been abducted by heavily armed men and taken away in a drone to an unknown destination! He has been abducted on gunpoint from Kubbiri Roundabout. The criminal regime is on rampage, BUT WE ARE NOT INTIMIDATED,” he posted.
By press time, security had not spoken about Nyanzi’s said abduction.
It is not clear whether his arrest is linked to the recent warning the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to the National Unity Platform (NUP) regarding its supporters, referred to as “foot soldiers.”
The army stated that these individuals could face trial in a court martial if they continue to exhibit behaviour resembling that of military officers.
Videos and photos circulating on social media showed NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu inspecting a parade of men dressed in red attire, who saluted him as he moved through their ranks.
This display has drawn the attention of the UPDF, which has expressed concern over what it views as an imitation of military conduct.
UPDF spokesperson Brigadier General Felix Kulaigye commented, “If a duck begins to fly like a bird, what is that called?”
He further warned that individuals engaging in such behaviour could face arrest and be brought before a disciplinary committee for violating military protocols.
“If these individuals continue to mimic the army, they might find themselves facing legal consequences,” Kulaigye added.