National Unity Platform (NUP) mobilisation figure Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu has denied claims by state prosecutors that he is a prosecution witness in the ongoing case involving 21 party leaders and supporters accused of unlawful military drilling in Kanyanya.
The state on Friday named Nyanzi as a key witness in the case .
However, in a statement on Saturday, Nyanzi dismissed the claims as malice by the state.
“I would like to state from the onset that I have never recorded any statement before any authority regarding this matter,” Nyanzi said.
“I was equally abducted, held incommunicado, tortured, and eventually dumped on the street on the basis of similar malicious charges,” he said.
Nyanzi questioned the use of court powers to compel witnesses, arguing that such authority should serve justice rather than political interests.
“While I am aware that court has the power to issue summons against anybody to appear as a witness, such power should be used in the interest of justice and not enabling prosecutors who have been deployed as weapons to harass, intimidate and instill fear in the country,” he said.
He further alleged that the case is politically driven and targets members of the National Unity Platform.
“In the instant case, it is very clear that the objective of the state is not only to persecute leaders of NUP but also to cause disharmony, mistrust and break cohesion within the organization,” he stated.
“It is very clear that this malicious development is built on falsehoods and will eventually collapse like all the other lies fabricated against NUP and its leaders.”
He called for the withdrawal of the charges against the 21 NUP members.
“It is very clear that the state has no case against the comrades being taken through a charade of trial at Kanyanya court. It should do the only right thing—withdraw the charges and set them free.”
He urged the public to remain focused on what he termed the real issue.
“I appeal to all Ugandans not to fall for these side shows by the regime. Demand the release of all political prisoners and an end to persecution of political opponents and their supporters.”
The 21 NUP members are accused of engaging in unlawful military drilling activities, which they have consistently denied.
