Former Kawempe South contender Fred Nyanzi rejects state witness claims in NUP case

Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, a former Kawempe South parliamentary contender and National Unity Platform Head of International Relations, has dismissed claims that he is a prosecution witness in the ongoing case against 21 NUP members and supporters before the Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at Kanyanya.

Nyanzi, popularly known as Chairman Nyanzi, said he had never recorded any statement with authorities in relation to the matter.

“I have never recorded any statement before any authority regarding this matter,” he said in a statement issued on Saturday.

The accused persons are facing charges linked to alleged unlawful military drilling. Several of them remain on remand after earlier being denied bail, with the matter expected back in court on May 15.

Nyanzi described the prosecution’s claims as malicious and politically motivated, arguing that the justice system should not be used to intimidate opposition figures.

“Such power should be used in the interest of justice and not enabling the prosecutors who clearly have been deployed as weapons to harass, intimidate and instill fear,” he said.

He further claimed that listing him as a witness was intended to sow mistrust and weaken unity within the opposition party.

“The objective of the state isn't only to persecute leaders of NUP but also cause disharmony, mistrust and break cohesion within the organization,” he said.

Nyanzi also called for the charges against the accused to be withdrawn, insisting the case would eventually collapse.