There is growing anxiety among some members and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) following reports that more opposition figures could face fresh criminal charges linked to ongoing investigations by security agencies.
Former Butambala District Woman Member of Parliament and NUP Deputy Secretary General Aisha Kabanda has claimed that supporters and sureties of former Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi are living in fear following recent events at Butambala Chief Magistrates Court.
Kabanda said the panic started after security operatives were deployed at the court during Kivumbi’s appearance, where he was charged with fresh offences including allegations of inciting violence and managing an unlawful society.
She explained that the presence of security officers who recorded details of people attending court, including some of those standing as sureties, caused concern among supporters.
According to Kabanda, some people fear that those who appeared in court to support Kivumbi could also become targets of investigations or face possible charges in the future.
“Our people are scared because they believe those whose details were taken could also be followed up,” Kabanda reportedly said, adding that many supporters are worried about what could happen next.
However, security sources have explained that recording details of sureties is a normal procedure meant to help authorities verify information provided during bail applications.
A senior police detective reportedly said that security officers often confirm the identities and backgrounds of sureties to ensure that documents presented before court are genuine.
The detective explained that some suspects sometimes present fake recommendation letters from local leaders, making verification necessary before prosecutors respond to bail applications.
Apart from those who attended court proceedings, Kabanda said some supporters and Muslim leaders in Butambala who participated in prayers for Kivumbi’s situation are also concerned.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged alleging that state authorities are investigating additional files involving some senior NUP figures over accusations related to security matters.
According to sources cited by Ono Bwino, investigations have been ongoing since 2020, although the evidence has reportedly been difficult to put together.
The sources claim that statements from some former NUP supporters who were recently released after pleading guilty in military court cases have strengthened the investigations.
The allegations reportedly involve claims that some opposition figures were linked to a group accused of planning armed activities against the government, although these claims have not been proven in court.
Among the names mentioned in the allegations are NUP principal Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, commonly known as Bobi Wine, and other senior party officials.
The reports further claim that authorities could use the investigations to bring additional charges against some opposition leaders, although no formal charges have been announced against them in relation to these claims.
Kivumbi’s legal troubles began after security operations following the 2026 general elections, when his supporters were reportedly arrested during celebrations at his home in Butambala.
He and several others were initially charged with serious offences and spent months in custody before later securing court bail.
However, shortly after his release, Kivumbi was reportedly re-arrested along the Kampala–Masaka highway and remained in detention before later being produced in court again.
Last week, he appeared before Butambala Chief Magistrates Court where he faced fresh charges, renewing concerns among his supporters and members of the opposition party.
Democratic Party national vice president Fred Mukasa Mbidde argued that political disputes require political solutions and blamed opposition leaders for failing to provide enough support to some detained supporters.
He said that political activists who have faced legal challenges needed stronger intervention from their leaders earlier in the process.
Meanwhile, some former NUP supporters who were recently released after receiving presidential amnesty have said that their experiences in prison changed their views and approach to political activism.
The developments have increased tension within opposition circles as supporters wait to see whether more arrests or court cases will follow against senior NUP officials.
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