NUP activist wanted over treason goes into hiding

Dennis Ssali, an activist from the National Unity Platform (NUP) and a relative of incarcerated Makindye West MP, Allan Ssewanyana has been reported missing after he was issued with a warrant of arrest over treason charges.

Charles Twine, the spokesperson of the Criminal Investigations Directorate-CID confirmed that with the help of the advanced intelligence of government Ssali was extradited from Dubai, UAE to Uganda on November 28, 2020 to face trial in Ugandan courts on charges of conspiracy to commit an act of treason.

Among others, he was accused of funding People Power pressure group which was later transformed into the National Unity Platform ( NUP)

He was released on police bonds several times but now he is on the run with his allegedly newly wedded wife of Indian origin.

Ugandan government imposed sanctions on Ssali including a ban from traveling outside the country and seized his travel documents, personal and business accounts and all his properties and businesses.

He was briefly detained at Kitalya prison.

“We don’t know where he is. Our hope is that he is fine,” said the male relative who preferred to remain anonymous.

Ssali was an active member and mobiliser of NUP while in Dubai. Several members of the opposition outfit were arrested in the run up and after the 2021 elections which were characterised by violence.

However, Ssali travel documents were retained by government after his first arrest which means that he could still be in the country.

Ssali joins a list of other activists who have fled the country or are on government’s wanted list over alleged subversive activities. These include activist and novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija who fled to Germany this year after he was incarcerated over his criticism of government and reportedly tortured.

Another activist, William Ntege aka “Kyuma Kyayesu” also fled the country early this year soon after he was released from Kitalya prison.

Others are still languishing in prison including Muhydin Kakooza, who was recently given an eight month jail sentence after shouted at the chairperson of the General Court Martial, Lt. Gen Andrew Gutti claiming he was being persecuted for supporting Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine.