Three members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who were arrested in Mbarara last week have been formally charged with robbery and remanded to Kaweeri Prison, raising serious questions from party leaders and supporters about the fairness and location of their prosecution.
The accused, identified as Ezra Kibirige, Hamza Matovu, and Tracy Nakimuli, appeared before Grade One Magistrate Chambers Paul Kedi, who also serves as the Acting Chief Magistrate of Mubende. The trio faces charges of simple robbery, allegedly committed on October 7, 2025, during an NUP presidential campaign rally held in Kyeguluuso Cell, Mubende Municipality.
After their court appearance, the magistrate ordered that they be remanded to Kaweeri Prison until December 15, 2025, when the case will resume.
The decision to try them in Mubende has drawn criticism from NUP leaders, who insist that the accused are not residents of the district and that the case had already been resolved between the parties involved.
According to Moses Ssemata Musasizi, the NUP Chairperson for Mubende Municipality, the original complaint was filed by Officer Muhumuza, who claimed he had been assaulted and lost money during the rally. Musasizi said the issue was handled amicably after Muhumuza received compensation of Shs 3 million, leading to the release of another suspect previously arrested for the same incident.
“I’m confused about why new people, who are not even from Mubende, are being brought here and charged for the same matter,” Musasizi said, adding that such actions only deepen public suspicion about the motives behind the arrests.
He further revealed that three other NUP members were taken to Kakumiro District, but the party is still unsure about their legal situation or whether they have also been presented before court.
“They brought six people to Mubende Police Station, but only three were charged here. The other three were transferred to Kakumiro, and we don’t know what has happened to them,” Musasizi explained.
The NUP leadership in Mubende has since announced plans to visit Kaweeri Prison to check on the condition of the detained supporters and explore possible legal steps for their release.
“We have agreed to go there tomorrow to see them and understand how we can help,” Musasizi confirmed.
The incident has sparked growing concern among NUP supporters, who see the arrests as part of a broader pattern of political intimidation ahead of the next election season. Many have urged authorities to ensure transparency and fairness in handling politically sensitive cases.