Kampala, Uganda — The Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday charged Doreen Kaija, the Coordinator and Principal of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) School of Leadership, with multiple offences including unlawful drilling, conspiracy to commit a felony, and operating an unregistered private school. 

Kaija was arrested on Sunday in Kinawataka, Mbuya by security operatives before being presented in court.

While reading the charges, the Chief Magistrate said unlawful drilling is contrary to section 45(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act. According to the prosecution, Kaija and others on February 12, 2025 allegedly conducted military-style drills at NUP offices in Makerere Kavule without permission from the Minister. The drills were reportedly part of a parade organized to celebrate the birthday of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine). Kaija was also accused of running a school that has not been classified or registered since 2020. 

Several lawyers have condemned the offence of unlawful drilling as an outdated colonial relic, originally enacted to suppress resistance against colonial rule.

Kaija dismissed the charges as politically motivated. “Like I told you, we don’t face the law, we are facing guns. We are not criminals; it’s a question of who possesses guns. It is the guns that we are facing but nonetheless we shall overcome,” she told journalists after leaving the dock. 

Her lawyer, Kato Tumusiime, described the prosecution as an act of cowardice.

“These are actions that show the state is interested in politically persecuting its advisors that they believe to be in opposition,” Tumusiime argued.

Bail Application Pending

Kaija’s legal team applied for bail, but the state asked for more time to verify her documents. The case was adjourned to September 29, 2025, when the court is expected to make a ruling on the bail application.

Several other NUP supporters have recently been arrested and charged with similar offences related to unlawful drilling.

 By ChimpReports