Doreen Kaija, the Coordinator and Principal of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) School of Leadership, has on Tuesday appeared before the Kanyanya Magistrates Court after reportedly spending two days in an undisclosed location following her alleged abduction.
Kaija, who is also contesting for the Nakawa West Woman Councillor seat, was allegedly taken by armed men using a taxi van commonly known as a “drone” from Mbuya on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Her disappearance sparked concern within the NUP and among the public, prompting Party President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu to accuse security agencies of illegally detaining opposition supporters and to demand Kaija’s unconditional release.
Appearing before Magistrate Damalie Agumaasirwe, Kaija was formally charged with multiple offences.
These include unlawful military drilling, conspiracy to commit a felony, and operating a private school, the NUP School of Leadership—that authority’s claim has not been registered or classified under the law since 2020.
Kaija now becomes the latest in a growing list of opposition figures to be arrested under unclear circumstances and remanded to Luzira Prison.
She has been added to a case file that already includes NUP Deputy Spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro, Edward Ssebuufu—also known as Eddie Mutwe, Achileo Kivumbi, and several others, all accused of participating in unauthorized military drills held at the NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule on February 12, 2025.
On Monday, police denied allegations of abducting NUP supporters.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke dismissed the claims but confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the February incident, which he said was conducted without clearance from the Minister of Defence.
The developments have further fueled concerns among human rights observers and opposition leaders over what they describe as a growing crackdown on dissent in the country.
By Alex Magala
16th Sept 2025
END
