Kampala, Uganda – National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro stormed into court today morning under tight security, handcuffed but unbowed, just a day after he was violently seized outside Kawempe Magistrates Court in a dramatic abduction that sent shockwaves across Uganda’s political scene.
The fiery opposition figure, known for his uncompromising criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s government, raised clenched fists before a cheering crowd of supporters.
On Monday, September 8, Mufumbiro had attended the bail hearing of fellow NUP activist Eddie Mutwe. But moments after stepping outside the court, chaos erupted.
Witnesses say a silver Toyota Noah registration UAK 368K screeched to a stop as plainclothed men believed to be military operatives pounced on Mufumbiro, shoving him violently into the vehicle. The abduction, captured on shaky mobile phone footage, spread rapidly across social media, sparking outrage and condemnation.
Police first denied knowledge of the incident but later admitted Mufumbiro was in custody.
Police claim that the outspoken NUP official was facing charges of unlawful drills, the same charge recently slapped on other party activists.
When Mufumbiro finally appeared in court today, the atmosphere was electric. Dozens of NUP supporters had gathered outside, chanting “Free Mufumbiro!”
Inside, the politician remained unapologetic. Despite handcuffs cutting into his wrists, he addressed the magistrate and his supporters with unshaken resolve.
“They grabbed me like a criminal, but I am not afraid. My voice will remain loud.”
Beside him stood Saudah Madaada, an aspiring Kampala Central Woman Lord Councillor, arrested hours earlier at the Busia border under unclear circumstances. Like Mufumbiro, she too faces unspecified charges.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi blasted the arrest:
“This is cowardice. They treat our leaders like criminals simply because they speak truth to power. Mufumbiro was abducted violently in broad daylight. What does that say about the rule of law?”
Mufumbiro’s ordeal mirrors the fate of several other NUP leaders and activists like Eddie Mutwe, abducted in May, who was later paraded in court with visible torture wounds, Calvin Tasi (Bobi Giant), arrested last week, faces similar charges of unlawful military drills.
Human Rights Watch and the UN have repeatedly warned Kampala against systematic violations, but crackdowns appear to be intensifying as elections draw near.
The arrests highlight Uganda’s increasingly tense political climate. With just months to the 2026 general election, Museveni’s ruling NRM faces mounting criticism for silencing dissent through arbitrary arrests, legal harassment, and intimidation.
Ugandans in the diaspora have staged protests abroad, calling on international bodies to hold Kampala accountable.
As court proceedings were adjourned, supporters vowed to keep pressing for justice. For them, Mufumbiro’s clenched fists in the courtroom were not just a symbol of resistance but a reminder that Uganda’s battle for democracy is far from over.
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