In a move that has sparked outrage and confusion, three supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) were arrested in Mbarara and later charged with robbery in Mubende, a district where they don’t even reside. This baffling turn of events has left party leaders and members scratching their heads, questioning the motives behind the legal proceedings. But here’s where it gets even more perplexing: the alleged robbery, which took place during an NUP campaign rally in October, was supposedly resolved months ago. Is this a case of political targeting, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?
On the evening of November 11, Ezra Kibirige, Hamza Matovu, and Tracy Nakimuli—the three NUP supporters in question—appeared before Grade One Magistrate Chambers Paul Kedi, the acting Chief Magistrate of Mubende. They were charged with simple robbery, allegedly committed on October 7, 2025, during a presidential campaign rally at Kyeguluuso Cell in Mubende Municipality. Despite the case seemingly being closed earlier, the trio was remanded to Kaweeri Prison until December 15, 2025, leaving many to wonder why the matter was being revisited.
And this is the part most people miss: According to Moses Ssemata Musasizi, the NUP Chairperson for Mubende Municipality, the incident had already been addressed. Officer Muhumuza, who claimed he was assaulted and robbed during the rally, had previously arrested a local resident named Ssenyonga from Kikona. Muhumuza was compensated with Shs3 million, and Ssenyonga was released. So, why are these three non-residents now facing charges for the same incident? Musasizi expressed his frustration, stating, ‘They are not residents of Mubende, so I’m confused why they are being brought here.’
To add to the mystery, three other NUP members were taken to Kakumiro District, and their legal status remains unclear. ‘We are not sure whether they were also taken to court,’ Musasizi revealed. The party is now planning to visit the detained members at Kaweeri Prison to assess their situation and explore ways to secure their release. ‘We have agreed to go to Kaweeri Prison tomorrow to visit them and find out how we can help,’ Musasizi told The Nile Post.
But here’s the controversial question: Is this a legitimate legal process, or is it a politically motivated move to silence opposition voices? The fact that the suspects are being tried in a district where they don’t reside raises serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings. Could this be a tactic to intimidate NUP supporters ahead of future elections? Or is there a legitimate reason for the charges that hasn’t been made public?
This case not only highlights the complexities of Uganda’s political landscape but also raises important questions about justice and due process. What do you think? Is this a fair legal proceeding, or is there something more sinister at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we want to hear from you!
