Doreen Kaija, Head of NUP Leadership Training School, Reportedly Kidnapped

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1419 EAT on Monday 15 September 2025

Doreen Kaija, head of the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Kamwokya Leadership Training School, has allegedly been detained under unclear circumstances, raising concerns among party members and human rights advocates.

Details surrounding Kaija’s detention remain sparse, with reports indicating she was taken from her home late Tuesday night. The reasons for her detention and her current whereabouts have not been confirmed by authorities.

The National Unity Platform, Uganda’s leading opposition party, has condemned the incident, calling for her immediate release and urging the government to respect the rights of political activists.

Human rights groups have also expressed alarm, highlighting a pattern of targeting opposition figures ahead of upcoming elections.

Attempts to reach officials for comment have so far been unsuccessful.

Kaija, who is also a candidate for the Kampala City Hall councillor seat representing Nakawa East, was reportedly taken into custody on Sunday evening by armed, plainclothed security personnel. According to eyewitnesses, the operatives arrived at her Kinawataka residence in two unmarked minibuses commonly referred to as “drones”—a term now associated with abductions carried out by Uganda’s security forces.

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

“When they reached her doorstep, she saw them and quickly locked herself inside,” the witness recounted. “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.”

The standoff reportedly continued until local leaders alerted officers at the nearby Kinawataka Police Post. Police arrived shortly afterward and, according to the witness, persuaded Kaija to open the door.

“She eventually opened after speaking with the police officers. But once she did, the men forced her into one of the drones and drove off—with the police accompanying them,” the witness added. “That was the last we saw of her. We don’t know where they took her.”

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding Kaija’s arrest or her current whereabouts.

Several senior National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders, including party president Robert Kyagulanyi (also known as Bobi Wine), spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi, and secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya, have confirmed and condemned the arrest of Doreen Kaija, describing it as an abduction, The Observer reports.

According to Ssenyonyi, the party has received information suggesting that Kaija is being held at Kira Division Police Station, though the specific charges against her remain unclear.

“We’re waiting to see whether they produce her in court or not,” Ssenyonyi said. “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 the police to follow the law, issue summons, and we’ll respond. What is happening instead is criminality.”

He further warned that the continued use of plain-clothed operatives and unmarked vehicles, known locally as “drones,” could provoke resistance from local communities.

“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 cautioned.

Kaija’s arrest adds to a growing list of NUP leaders and supporters who have faced detention or legal action in recent months. Among those currently in custody or previously charged are Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Edwin Serunkuuma alias Eddie King Kabenja, Sharif Lukenge, Yasin Nyanzi, and Tonny Kaweesi.

Others, including deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro and Saudah Madaada, have been charged in the past with offences related to alleged participation in unlawful military drills.

Police have not yet issued an official statement regarding Kaija’s arrest. Efforts by The Observer to reach police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke for comment were unsuccessful.

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