NUP Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Co-Accused Saudah Madada Remanded to Luzira
Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the Deputy Spokesperson for Uganda’s opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), and his co-accused, Sauda Madaada, have been remanded to Luzira Prison until September 29, 2025. The order was issued by the Kawempe Chief Magistrates Court today, following their arraignment on charges of unlawful drilling, conspiracy to commit a felony, and other related offences.
The duo appeared before the Kawempe Chief Magistrate, who informed them of the grave nature of the charges. Under Ugandan law, such offences are considered capital in nature, meaning a plea cannot be taken at the magistrate’s court level, and bail for such cases must be sought in the High Court. Consequently, they were remanded to Luzira Prison to allow for further police investigations and the process of committing their case to a higher court for trial.
The charges of unlawful drilling and conspiracy to commit a felony typically suggest allegations of engaging in unauthorized military-style training or plotting subversive or violent activities against the state. Specific details regarding the alleged actions underpinning these charges were not fully disclosed in court, but investigations are understood to be ongoing.
Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro is a prominent figure within the National Unity Platform (NUP), Uganda’s largest opposition party, led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. His arrest and subsequent remand come amidst a broader pattern of arrests and detentions of opposition figures and perceived government critics in Uganda, a trend that has frequently drawn concern from human rights organizations.
Sauda Madaada’s role in the alleged offences was not immediately detailed, but she is being jointly charged with Mufumbiro.
The remand period extending until late September 2025 is notably long and means the accused will remain in custody for over a year before their next scheduled court appearance. This duration raises significant concerns about due process and the right to a speedy trial, issues frequently brought up by legal advocates and opposition groups in similar cases.
Their legal team is expected to explore options for bail application in the High Court, as the Magistrate’s Court lacks the jurisdiction to grant bail for such grave offences.
The case is expected to attract significant attention, given Mufumbiro’s political standing and the serious nature of the charges, coupled with the extended remand period.
