“That Is Total Rubbish, NUP Supporters Are Not Abducted, We Simply Arrest Them” Uganda Police Hits Back

The Uganda Police Force has strongly denied allegations that it is abducting members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), describing the claims as “deliberate misinformation” intended to discredit lawful arrests. Authorities insist that all actions taken are fully legal and conducted under existing laws.

At a press briefing in Naguru on Monday, Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke emphasized that reports labeling arrests as “kidnappings” are misleading. He explained that the arrests are linked to unlawful military-style drills allegedly conducted by NUP members and are being carried out in accordance with the law, which has been in place since 1906.

Rusoke confirmed that at least 10 individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged paramilitary drills at NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule. Nine suspects have already appeared in court, while a tenth, a female suspect, is expected to be arraigned soon. Police also warned that additional arrests may follow as investigations continue.

The spokesperson stressed that all arrests are legal and denied that any suspects have been “kidnapped,” countering claims made by politicians and echoed by some journalists. He expressed surprise that certain reporters questioned the arrests after witnessing them firsthand.

According to Rusoke, some of the arrested individuals participated in unlawful drilling or paramilitary-style parades, which is an offense under Section 848 of the Penal Code Act. He criticized NUP lawmakers for rallying public opinion online instead of challenging the law in Parliament, asking, “Why didn’t you repeal this law during your five-year term if you believed it was unjust?”

High-profile arrests have drawn public attention. NUP Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro was reportedly taken into custody in broad daylight outside a court, while Sauda Madada, a candidate for Kampala Lord Woman Councilor, was arrested in Busia as she allegedly tried to flee to Kenya. Both now face charges related to unauthorized military drills held at NUP headquarters earlier this year.

ACP Rusoke clarified that the police determine how arrests are conducted, not the suspects. “You can’t commit an offense and then tell us how we should come for you,” he said. He further stressed that suspects will either be taken to court or released according to the law, rejecting claims of indefinite detention. With at least 12 suspects now charged and more arrests possible, tensions between the Uganda Police and NUP remain high.