The State has named National Unity Platform (NUP) mobilisation figure Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu as a key witness in a case in which 21 party leaders and supporters are accused of unlawful military drilling, as the court denied the accused bail and set the matter down for hearing.
Chairman Nyanzi, as he is popularly known, is the brother of NUP principal Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine.
The disclosure was made during proceedings at the Kanyanya Division of the Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court, where the accused, including Edmund Mutwe and Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, had applied for bail.
Defense lawyer Kato Tumusiime said the court rejected the bail application, citing public interest among the key considerations.
The court also raised concerns about the suitability of the sureties presented, noting that they were relatively young and lacked close blood relationships with the accused persons.
“The bail was denied on grounds of public interest, and the court also took issue with the age of the sureties and the absence of close blood relationships,” Tumusiime said.
He added that the State has since made full disclosure to the defense, allowing the legal team to begin preparing for trial.
“The State has since made full disclosure, and we are now in position to study the materials, brief our clients, and prepare for the hearing,” he said.
The case was adjourned to May 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM for hearing.
In a related matter, Uganda versus Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, where the accused faces charges of incitement to commit a crime, proceedings had earlier been adjourned due to the absence of the trial magistrate.
The court had directed the State to ensure full disclosure before the next hearing, which remains scheduled for May 15, 2026.
Both matters are now expected to proceed following the State’s compliance with disclosure requirements.
