Nine supporters of the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) have been further remanded to Lira Central Prison after failing to present substantial sureties before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lira on Wednesday.
The group is among 12 people charged with malicious damage to property and robbery, following their arrest during a campaign trail in Alebtong District late last month.
Those facing charges include Precious Paul Ssembusi, Isma Bukenya, Liberty Lekuru, Mastulah Nakabuye, Laston Waisua, Hope Nasozi, Kagawa Saluman, Regan Kamulegeye, Steven Katamba, Aloysious Lubega, Jamacidi Twaha Kavuma and Muzambiru Ggaayi.
Police arrested 15 NUP supporters on October 29, 2025, during a campaign event attended by NUP presidential flagbearer Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, who was touring Lango Sub-region to mobilise support ahead of the 2026 elections.
Seven of those arrested were released on police bond, while 10 were arraigned before court on October 30 and remanded to Lira Central Prison until November 12.
The group reappeared in court this week, joined by two more suspects recently arrested hundreds of kilometres away in Mbarara City.
Court records show that three of the original 10 — Steven Katamba, Aloysious Lubega and Precious Paul Ssembusi — were released on bail after presenting substantial sureties. The remaining seven, together with the two newcomers, were remanded until November 24, 2025.
Prosecution alleges that on October 28, 2025, at Obot Village in Barr Sub-county along the Lira–Alebtong Road, the accused willfully and unlawfully damaged and robbed the occupants of a police vehicle.
The items allegedly stolen include a laptop computer, a bag of clothes, and 20 litres of diesel fuel, with a total estimated value of Shs1.89 million.
The damaged vehicle, registration number UP 4816, was said to have been operating under cover using another number plate, UBK 380Q.
The case comes amid heightened political activity across northern Uganda as opposition figures continue to mobilise ahead of next year’s general elections.
The accused remain in custody as the prosecution continues investigations into the alleged offences.