KAMPALA — In a stinging rebuttal to state prosecutors, National Unity Platform (NUP) heavyweight Nyanzi Fred Ssentamu has dismissed claims that he is set to testify against his own party comrades, labeling the move a desperate attempt to sow disharmony within the opposition.
The official statement, released via his social media on Sunday, comes as a high-stakes response to ongoing proceedings at the Kanyanya Court, where several NUP supporters are facing charges related to alleged “unlawful military drilling.”
A “Charade of Trial”
Nyanzi, who serves as the NUP Head of International Relations, did not mince words, describing the legal proceedings as “politically motivated harassment” and a “charade.” He categorically denied ever recording a statement with any authority regarding the case.
“I would like to state from the onset that I have never recorded any statement before any authority regarding this matter,” Nyanzi declared. “This malicious development is built on falsehoods and will eventually collapse like all the other lies fabricated against NUP and its leaders.”
Allegations of Torture and Coercion
The statement also touched on a darker chapter of Nyanzi’s recent history, reminding the public of his own experience with state security. He noted that he was previously “abducted, held incommunicado, [and] tortured” before being dumped on the street, suggesting that the current push to name him as a witness is an extension of that same intimidation.
According to Nyanzi, the state’s strategy is two-fold: Breaking Cohesion: By naming him as a witness, he argues the state intends to trigger mistrust and “disharmony” between NUP leadership and the rank-and-file. Compelling Attendance: He warned that while the Court has the power to issue summons, it should not be used as a “weapon” to enable prosecutors to harass political opponents.
The Road Ahead
While Nyanzi’s written statement serves as a “counter to falsehoods,” he hinted that more revelations are on the horizon. “At an appropriate time, I will address the media as more issues unveil,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter). “A lot is expected to happen, but I know God is on our side.”
Nyanzi concluded with a call for the immediate withdrawal of charges against the “comrades” at Kanyanya and an end to the persecution of political prisoners in Uganda.
