The Kawempe Grade One Magistrate has remanded five additional supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) to Luzira Prison over allegations of illegal military training conducted at the party’s headquarters.
The newly charged individuals include Tasi Calvin (alias Bobi Giant), Serunkuuma Edwin (alias Eddie King Kabenja), Lukenge Sharif, Nyanzi Yasin, and Kaweesi Tonny. They now join Eddie Mutwe (real name Edward Sebuufu) and Achileo Kivumbi, who were earlier charged in connection with the same case.
Prosecution alleges that on February 12, 2025, the seven suspects, along with others still at large, participated in a meeting at the NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule. The meeting is alleged to have involved military-style drills, movements, and formations—conducted without authorization from the relevant authorities, in violation of Section 45(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act.
Earlier, heavily armed security personnel escorted the suspects into court, barring family members from entry and creating tension outside the courtroom. Inside, Chief State Attorney Sharon Nambuya surprised the defense with an amended charge sheet that officially included the five new suspects.
Grade One Magistrate Agumasiimwe Damalie read out four charges to the accused, including unlawful assembly and conspiracy to commit a felony. The prosecution maintains that the gathering at Kavule was not a political meeting but rather an unlawful paramilitary training session.
All seven suspects pleaded not guilty and immediately applied for bail, supported by relatives and friends prepared to stand as sureties.
However, prosecutors told the court they were not ready to respond to the bail applications, citing a heavy caseload. They requested a full month to conduct further investigations, locate additional suspects, and prepare affidavits.
Taking into account both the prosecution’s workload and the accused’s legal rights, Magistrate Agumasiimwe adjourned the bail hearing to September 29, leaving the suspects on remand for at least three more weeks.
