NUP Officials Return to Court as Fred Nyanzi Set to Testify in ‘Unlawful Drilling’ Case

Senior officials and supporters of National Unity Platform have appeared before Kanyanya Magistrates’ Court as hearings resumed in the controversial unlawful drilling case, with prosecutors confirming that Fred Nyanzi Sentamu will serve as their lead witness.

Several officials and supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform have appeared before Kanyanya Magistrates’ Court as proceedings resumed in the controversial “unlawful drilling” case.

Among those presented before court were NUP deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the party’s head of security Achileo Kivumbi, and Eddie Ssebuufu, the chief security aide to Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu.

Other accused persons, including Doreen Kajja, head of the NUP School of Leadership, Olivia Lutaaya, and several party supporters, were also present as court prepared to continue hearing the politically sensitive matter.

Security around the court premises remained tight, with supporters, lawyers, journalists, and family members gathering ahead of the session.

The case stems from allegations of unlawful military-style drilling and training, accusations that NUP leaders and supporters have repeatedly dismissed as politically motivated.

The opposition party maintains that its members are being targeted because of their political beliefs and activities.

Attention has now shifted to Fred Nyanzi Sentamu, the elder brother of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, who is expected to testify for the prosecution.

During the previous court sitting, state attorneys informed the court that Nyanzi would serve as the prosecution’s lead witness.“Fred Nyanzi will be our lead witness in this case and we are ready to start,” the prosecution told court.

His anticipated testimony is expected to intensify political debate surrounding the trial, given his close family and political ties to the NUP leadership.

Lawyers representing the accused have continued challenging both the charges and the conduct of investigations, arguing that the prosecution lacks credible evidence to sustain the case.

The matter remains one of the country’s most closely watched political trials, with opposition supporters describing it as a key test of political freedom, due process, and judicial independence in Uganda.

Court proceedings were still ongoing by press time.