Head of NUP Leadership Training School Doreen Kaija ‘kidnapped’

The head of the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Kamwokya Leadership Training School, Doreen Kaija, has allegedly been detained under unclear circumstances.

Kaija, who is also contesting for the Kampala City Hall councillor seat in Nakawa East, was reportedly picked up on Sunday evening from her Kinawataka residence by armed plain-clothed security personnel travelling in two minibuses, infamously referred to as “drones.”

An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said the vehicles parked outside Kaija’s gate before more than ten heavily armed men surrounded the premises.

“When they reached her doorstep, she saw them and quickly locked herself inside. There was a heated exchange. We heard her demanding to know who they were, and they kept telling her to open the door for her own safety. She refused for nearly 20 minutes until some area leaders alerted the police at Kinawataka post, who eventually intervened,” the witness recounted.

According to the witness, police officers later convinced Kaija to open the door, after which she was taken into custody.

“They forced her into the drone and drove off with the police officers. That was the last we saw of her. We don’t know where they took her,” the witness added.

Several senior NUP leaders, including party president Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, and secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya, confirmed and condemned Kaija’s arrest, describing it as an abduction.

Ssenyonyi said the party had received information indicating that Kaija was being held at Kira Division Police, though 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. These are carried out by people not in uniform and without arrest warrants. We’ve consistently asked police to follow the law, issue summons, and we’ll respond. What is happening instead is criminality,” he said.

He further cautioned that the continued use of plain-clothed operatives and drones could provoke community backlash.

“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 warned.

Kaija now joins a growing list of NUP leaders and supporters who have been arrested, charged, or remain in detention. Among them are Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Edwin Serunkuuma alias Eddie King Kabenja, Sharif Lukenge, Yasin Nyanzi, and Tonny Kaweesi.

Others, including Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro and Saudah Madaada, have previously been charged with offences linked to alleged participation in military drills. Police have not yet issued an official statement on Kaija’s arrest. Efforts to reach police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke for comment were unsuccessful.