Sauda Madada, a Kampala Central Woman Lord Councillor aspirant and prominent figure within the National Unity Platform (NUP), has been arrested in Busia while attempting to cross into Kenya.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya confirmed the arrest, stating that Madada was apprehended by police at the border and informed that her file is held at Wandegeya Police Station, where she is expected to be transferred.
Sauda Madada, a longtime loyalist of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), had recently been nominated as an independent candidate. Known as a key party mobiliser and part of NUP’s “security” team, she has previously faced arrests and confrontations with law enforcement.
Her detention follows a recent wave of arrests targeting NUP members. Just days earlier, the party’s deputy spokesperson, Alex Mufumbiro, was arrested outside the Kawempe Magistrate’s Court.
On Monday, NUP raised concerns over what it described as a pattern of abductions and intimidation targeting its supporters ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Sources within the security establishment claim the arrests are linked to an incident from February 12, 2025, involving alleged unauthorized military drills at the NUP headquarters in Kavule, Makerere.
Five individuals — Calvin Tasi (aka Bobi Giant), Edwin Serunkuuma (aka Eddie King Kabenja), Sharif Lukenge, Yasin Nyanzi, and Tonny Kaweesi were charged and remanded to Luzira Prison on related charges. They join Edward Sebuufu (Eddy Mutwe) and Achileo Kivumbi, who had already been detained on similar allegations.
Prosecutors claim the group participated in a prohibited assembly and conducted military-style training without authorization, violating Section 45(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act. They also face conspiracy to commit a felony.
The military had previously warned NUP against engaging in any activities resembling military drills, vowing to take action.
Madada is currently detained at Wandegeya Police Station as investigations continue.
