WE SHALL HUNT ALL OF THEM DOWN!! Police Reveals Number Of NUP Members Arrested Over The Illegally Military Parade At Kavule Headquarters

The Uganda Police Force has announced the arrest of ten members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) on allegations of engaging in illegal military drills at the party’s headquarters in Kavule, Makerere, Kampala earlier this year. The arrests underscore the government’s firm position against unauthorized military activity.

Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that nine suspects have already appeared in court, while a female suspect is expected to be arraigned soon. He stressed that all operations were conducted in line with the law and established procedures.

Those arraigned before the Kawempe Magistrate’s Court include Tasi Calvin, also known as Bobi Giant, Serunkuuma Edwin (alias Eddie King Kabenja), Lukenge Sharif, Nyanzi Yasin, and Kaweesi Tonny. They face charges of conducting unlawful military training at NUP offices on February 12, 2025.

Speaking to journalists at police headquarters in Naguru, ACP Rusoke pushed back against claims by some NUP politicians that their supporters were being abducted. He noted that the police are constitutionally mandated to arrest, detain, and present suspects in court whenever criminal activity is suspected.

“There are voices on social media asking why NUP supporters are not simply summoned,” Rusoke remarked. “But we do not issue summons to defilers, rapists, or murderers—so why would we treat this case differently? The allegations are serious and must be handled accordingly.”

Rusoke reiterated that all arrests were lawful, with suspects detained in gazetted police cells before being charged in court. He emphasized that due process was followed at every stage to ensure the legitimacy of police actions.

He further revealed that security agencies have compiled a list of other individuals suspected of taking part in similar military drills. However, their names have not been released, as investigations remain ongoing.

Concluding his remarks, Rusoke dismissed the idea that suspects should be given prior notice before arrest. He reaffirmed that the police will continue to act decisively against unlawful military activities and advised critics to seek legal reforms through Parliament if dissatisfied. The case, he said, reflects the government’s determination to enforce law and order while sending a strong warning against illegal paramilitary practices.