KAMPALA — National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter Saudah Madaada has returned home after more than a year in detention, according to NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya.
Rubongoya welcomed Madaada’s return in a social media message, saying she had spent one year and nine days in detention. He expressed relief that she had returned home alive and described her release as an important moment for her family and supporters.
Madaada was arrested at the Uganda-Kenya border in September 2025 while travelling to Kenya. She was later charged alongside other NUP supporters in connection with allegations of unlawful military drilling and conspiracy to commit a felony arising from a mock military parade allegedly held at NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule earlier in 2025.
The accused have denied the allegations. Rubongoya has also disputed the prosecution’s account, arguing that Madaada was not at the Makerere-Kavule premises on the day the alleged drills took place.
Her detention attracted further attention after she developed serious health problems while in custody. In November 2025, proceedings at Kawempe Chief Magistrates’ Court were halted after prison officials reported that she was vomiting blood and unable to walk. She was subsequently evacuated to hospital for medical attention.
Madaada’s release comes alongside the reported release of Bob Young, another opposition supporter who, according to his supporters, spent about two years in detention before returning home.
The developments have renewed attention on the number of opposition supporters who have spent extended periods in custody while facing criminal charges.
Rubongoya said Madaada’s experience should prompt renewed discussion about the rule of law, prolonged detention and the handling of cases involving opposition supporters.
The unlawful-drilling case has involved several NUP supporters, including party deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Edward Ssebuufu alias Eddie Mutwe, Achileo Kivumbi, Calvin Tasi alias Bobi Giant, Edwin Sserunkuma and others.
