Africa-Press – Uganda. Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, the Head of International Relations for the National Unity Platform (NUP), has dismissed claims by state prosecutors that he is a key witness in an ongoing case involving 21 party leaders and supporters accused of unlawful military drilling.
The case is being heard at the Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Kanyanya, where the accused have been denied bail. The matter has been adjourned to May 15, 2026, for full hearing.
Among those charged are prominent NUP figures including Eddie Mutwe and Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, alongside other party leaders and supporters.
In a statement issued on Saturday via his X account, Nyanzi—who is also the elder brother of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu—categorically denied ever recording a statement with any authority in connection to the case.
“I have never recorded any statement before any authority regarding this matter,” Nyanzi said, adding that he had previously been subjected to similar accusations.
He alleged that he had in the past been abducted, held incommunicado, and tortured over what he described as “malicious charges,” claims that authorities have not publicly responded to.
Nyanzi accused state prosecutors of misusing the legal process, arguing that the case is politically motivated and aimed at targeting members and leaders of the opposition party.
“While I am aware that Court has power to issue summons against anybody to appear as a witness, such power should be used in the interest of justice and not enabling the prosecutors who clearly have been deployed as weapons to harass, intimidate and instill fear,” he said.
He further claimed that the prosecution’s strategy goes beyond securing convictions, alleging it is designed to create mistrust and internal divisions within NUP.
“In the instant case it is very clear that the objective of the state isn’t only to persecute leaders of NUP but also cause disharmony, mistrust and break cohesion within the organization,” he said.
Nyanzi maintained that the charges against the accused are baseless and would ultimately collapse, calling the trial a “charade” and urging authorities to withdraw the case and release those in custody.
According to submissions in court, the State has listed Nyanzi as a key witness in the prosecution of the 21 accused persons, who face allegations of participating in unlawful military drilling activities.
During earlier bail proceedings, defence lawyer Kato Tumusiime confirmed that the accused were denied bail. He said the court cited “public interest” as a primary reason, alongside concerns about the suitability of sureties presented.
“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.
The court reportedly found that the proposed sureties were relatively young and lacked close familial ties to the accused, raising doubts about their ability to ensure compliance with bail conditions.
The defence also confirmed that the prosecution has completed full disclosure of evidence, allowing lawyers to review the materials and prepare 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,” Tumusiime added.
In a related matter, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro faces separate charges of incitement to commit a crime. Proceedings in that case were previously adjourned due to the absence of the trial magistrate, with the court directing the State to ensure full disclosure ahead of the next hearing.
Both cases are scheduled to proceed on May 15, 2026.
The developments highlight ongoing tensions between the State and opposition figures, with the defence framing the prosecutions as politically driven, while the State maintains that the charges relate to unlawful activities requiring judicial determination.
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