At least 95 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) have been charged in various courts across Uganda following a series of arrests during campaign activities led by the party’s presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
The accused face multiple charges, including obstruction of police officers, robbery, malicious damage to property, and a range of traffic-related offences such as driving without licences, riding without helmets, and operating vehicles without insurance.
In Mbarara City, 43 NUP supporters appeared before Grade One Magistrate Esther Bagala on Tuesday and were remanded until November 19.
The group was among 85 people arrested on November 7 along the Mbarara–Ibanda road while accompanying Kyagulanyi to a campaign rally in Bwizibera.
According to the prosecution, 38 of the accused obstructed Mbarara District Police Commander Kenneth Kabwigo from performing his duties, while five others were charged with traffic-related offences.
All 38 defendants denied the obstruction charges and applied for bail through their legal team led by Kampala Woman Member of Parliament, Shamim Malende.
However, Magistrate Bagala declined to grant bail immediately, noting that while the accused had a right to personal liberty, the court had to consider the prevailing circumstances. The case was adjourned to November 19 to allow the defence time to prepare formal bail applications.
Meanwhile, five others—identified as Onesmas Kasirye, Moses Mugabi, Godius Mwesigwa, Magembe Kasimu, and Adrian Taremwa—were charged with traffic offences, including driving without licences, carrying passengers without permits, and operating uninsured vehicles.
Four of them pleaded guilty, while Mwesigwa denied the charges. State Prosecutor Rebecca Akulia informed the court that investigations were complete and requested a hearing date.
Defence lawyer Allan Musasire asked the court to exercise leniency, describing Taremwa as a first-time offender who had cooperated with the court and “deserved a chance to reform.” Magistrate Bagala remanded the group until November 14 for sentencing.
Elsewhere, in Lira Chief Magistrate’s Court, nine NUP supporters arrested in Alebtong District were further remanded to Lira Central Prison on charges of robbery and malicious damage to property.
The prosecution alleged that on October 28, at Obot Village, the group damaged a police vehicle and stole items including a laptop, clothing, and 20 litres of diesel valued at Shs1.89 million. Police reported that the damaged vehicle was operating under a fake registration number.
Those remanded in Lira include Isma Bukenya, Liberty Lekuru, Mastulah Nakabuye, Laston Waisua, Hope Nasozi, Kagawa Saluman, Regan Kamulegeye, Jamacidi Twaha Kavuma, and Muzambiru Ggaayi. Three others—Steven Katamba, Aloysious Lubega, and Precious Paul Ssembusi—were granted bail after presenting acceptable sureties to the court.
Rwizi Regional Police Spokesperson, Samson Kasasira, confirmed the arrests, stating that 85 people were detained in Mbarara and Kiruhura districts during Kyagulanyi’s campaign tour in the Ankole sub-region.
“They face charges including traffic offences, assault, and obstruction, and have been transferred to the respective jurisdictions where the offences occurred,” Kasasira said.
He further explained that suspects had been distributed to different districts for trial, including three to Mubende, three to Kyankwanzi, five to Lyantonde, three to Mayuge, one to Kakumiro, two to Lira, 12 to Kiruhura, one to Kampala, and 50 who remained in Mbarara.
The latest arrests mark a continuation of tensions between security forces and opposition supporters during Kyagulanyi’s nationwide campaigns.
NUP officials have condemned what they describe as targeted intimidation against their members, while police maintain that the arrests are lawful and based on violations of public order and traffic regulations.
One additional suspect, identified as Olivia Lutaaya, was charged separately with unlawful drilling.
As the cases proceed in multiple courts, the NUP leadership has vowed to continue pursuing legal redress for its supporters, insisting that the arrests are politically motivated.
The remanded supporters are expected to reappear in court on various dates later in November.