NUP’s Kamwokya School Head Detained Under Undisclosed Charges

The head of the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Kamwokya Leadership Training School, Doreen Kaija, is in detention over undisclosed charges. 

Kaija, who is also contesting for the City Hall councilor seat in Nakawa East, was reportedly picked up on Sunday evening from her Kinawataka residence by armed plain-clothed security personnel traveling in two minibuses commonly known as “drones.”

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, said the drones parked outside Kaija’s gate before more than 10 heavily armed men surrounded the premises. “When they reached her doorstep, she saw them and quickly locked herself inside. There was a lot of exchange. We heard her asking who they were, and they kept telling her to open the door for her own safety. But she declined for a long time. This went on for about 20 minutes until some area leaders alerted the police at Kinawataka post, who responded,” he said.

According to the eyewitness, police officers eventually convinced Kaija to open the door, after which she was arrested. “They forced her into the drone and left with the police officers. That’s all we saw, but we don’t know where they took her,” he added. 

Several NUP leaders, including Party President Robert Kyagulanyi, Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, and Secretary General David Lewis Lubongoya, have since confirmed and condemned Kaija’s arrest, describing it as an abduction.

Ssenyonyi says the party has been informed Kaija is being held at Kira Division Police, but said the charges against her remain unclear. “We’re waiting to see whether they produce her in court or not. But we strongly condemn the conduct of these so-called arrests, which we call abductions, because of the way they are done—by people not in uniform and without arrest warrants. We’ve consistently asked the police to write and summon us. No one is above the law, and we’ll respond. What is being done instead is criminality,” Ssenyonyi said.

He further warned that continued arrests by ununiformed individuals in drones could provoke mob resistance. “When people come to arrest us in plain clothes, acting like goons, communities may start defending themselves. If you’re attacked in your home, you’ll use whatever means to protect yourself. Villagers might even start setting these vehicles on fire,” Ssenyonyi added.

Kaija now joins a growing list of NUP leaders and supporters who have been arrested, charged, or remain in detention facilities. These include Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Serunkuuma Edwin alias Eddie King Kabenja, Lukenge Sharif, Nyanzi Yasin, and Kaweesi. Others, such as Waiswa Mufumbiro and Saudah Madaada have previously been charged with offenses linked to alleged participation in military drills. The police have not yet commented on Kaija’s arrest.