A senior official in Uganda’s opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, has dismissed claims by state prosecutors that he is set to testify as a prosecution witness in an ongoing case involving alleged unlawful military drilling by party supporters.
In a detailed statement released on Saturday, Nyanzi described the assertions as malicious and politically motivated, firmly denying any cooperation with the prosecution.
“My attention has been drawn to the malicious claims by the state prosecutors that I am one of their witnesses in the ongoing politically motivated harassment and persecution of our comrades at Kanyanya on the basis of a false claim that they participated in unlawful military drilling,” Nyanzi said.
“I would like to state from the onset I have never recorded any statement before any authority regarding this matter. I was equally abducted, held incommunicado, tortured, and eventually dumped on the street on the basis of similar malicious charges.”
The Case
The case stems from the arrest and prosecution of several NUP supporters accused of participating in what the state describes as unlawful military-style training exercises.
Security agencies allege that the accused were engaged in activities deemed a threat to national security—claims that the opposition has consistently rejected as fabricated.
The arrests are part of a broader pattern, NUP leaders argue, in which party members have faced repeated detentions and prosecutions.
The government maintains that the charges are based on credible intelligence and lawful enforcement measures.
Nyanzi Accuses State of Political Persecution
While acknowledging the authority of the courts, Nyanzi questioned how such powers are being exercised in this case.
“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 in the Country particularly targeting members and leaders of National Unity Platform,” he stated.
He further accused the state of attempting to divide the opposition by forcing him into a position that could pit him against fellow party members.
“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 by maliciously seeking to compel and ensure my attendance as a witness in a matter against my comrades,” he noted.
“I would like to firmly state that this malicious development is built on falsehoods and will eventually collapse like all the other lies fabricated against NUP and its leaders.”
Calls for Release of Accused
Nyanzi maintained that the case lacks substance and urged authorities to drop all charges against the accused.
“It is very clear that the state has no case against the comrades being taken through a charade of trial at Kanyanya court and it should do the only right thing, withdraw the charges, and set them free,” he said.
He also called on the public to reject what he described as political intimidation.
“I appeal to all Ugandans not to fall for these side shows by the regime, demand for the release of all political prisoners, and an end to persecution of political opponents and their supporters.”
Weeks ago, NUP deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, who faces charges of unlawful drilling, was denied an opportunity to send off his wife who succumbed to answer as reported Here and There.
