NUP’s Kaija Remanded Over Drilling, Unregistered School

Doreen Kaija, the head of the National Unity Platform’s School of Leadership located in Kamwokya, has been remanded to Luzira prison on charges related to military drilling and operating an unregistered school.

27-year-old Kaija was arrested from her home in Kinawataka, Mbuya, Nakawa Division, over the weekend and forcibly taken away in a security van. 

On Tuesday, she was brought before the Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s court to plead to an amended charge sheet, where she is listed as the 10th accused, and faces an additional charge.  

Kaija now joins the party’s Deputy Spokesperson, Waisswa Mufumbiro, mobilizer Saudah Madada, Edward Ssebufu alias Eddie Mutwe, Achielo Kivumbi, and Calvin Tasi alias Bobi Giant. All personal bodyguards to President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, and five other NUP supporters who were previously remanded on similar charges. 

The group of ten will return to court on September 29th for the prosecution to respond to their bail applications. According to the prosecution, on February 12, 2024, at the NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule, Wandegeya, Kawempe Division, the ten individuals, along with others still at large, allegedly attended a meeting without the necessary permission from the Minister.  

The prosecution alleges that the gathering was intended to train or drill participants in military exercises, contrary to Section 45(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act. Additionally, the ten individuals are accused of conspiring to commit a felony. Separately, Kaijja faces charges related to operating a private school. 

Prosecutor Sharon Nambuya alleges that from 2020 to date, Kaijja established and maintained an unregistered school, contrary to Section 41(a) of the Education (Pre-Primary, Primary, and Post-Primary) Act.  

Like the other nine, Kaijja has denied the charges before Grade One Magistrate Damalie Agumaasiimwe. Her fate, including the possibility of temporary freedom, will be determined on September 29.