Shouts of betrayal filled the courtroom at the Law Development Centre (LDC) as 14 NRM youths appeared in court for violent robberies and assaults during President Museveni’s nomination parade on June 28, 2025. Dressed in yellow T-shirts bearing NRM logos, the suspects allegedly attacked and robbed innocent pedestrians along Kyadondo Road in Kampala.
Police arrested the group from different parts of Kampala, including Mukono, Kawempe, and Rubaga, after disturbing videos of the incidents went viral. After spending the weekend in police cells, officers transported them to LDC Court around 10 a.m. on July 1.
Some suspects claimed NRM officials hired them to join the procession and paid them only Shs10,000. “NRM gave us T-shirts and money, then left us to face jail,” one suspect shouted from a police pickup. Another added, “We didn’t steal. They should check CCTV footage.”
The group, mostly youth aged between 18 and 32, now face charges including robbery, theft, and loitering with intent to commit a felony. Prosecutors say suspects like Brian Kisinzi and Jamilu Kyambadde robbed Leonard Magezi of a phone and Shs20,000, then beat him. Others, such as Muzafalu Matovu and Wasswa Joseph, allegedly stole two mobile phones worth Shs530,000 from Richard Baguma.
Additional suspects – Martin Ssetayi, Drisa Katakwage, and Isma Odundo – reportedly stole a Samsung A05 worth Shs726,000 from Mubaraka Ssempijja near the Health Ministry.
Appearing before Magistrate Dorren Ainembabazi, all suspects denied the charges. The court split them across four case files. With no sureties ready, the magistrate remanded the group to Luzira Prison until July 16.
Outside court, distressed families blamed NRM local mobilisers. “They told our children there would be money where the President goes,” said Maria Nalwanga, mother to one suspect. “Now they’ve vanished, and our sons are in jail.”
Later, a second group of 16 suspects appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court. This group included students, vendors, boda boda riders, and mechanics. Police linked them to a robbery involving Abdul Kigozi, who lost a Samsung Galaxy, a Nokia phone, and Shs600,000. Kigozi was also seriously injured in the attack.
Presiding Magistrate Winnie Nankya remanded the adults to Luzira. Juveniles among them, including Jenipher Kengozi and Emmanuel Turinawe, went to Naguru Remand Home until July 18.
Separately, the court charged two suspects – Sadat Kaziba and Martin Odoi – with wandering with intent to commit a felony. Both men denied the charge but were also remanded.
Despite widespread public backlash and accusations from parents, NRM party officials have not issued any response. Many citizens now demand accountability and clarity on the party’s role in mobilising youths for the chaotic event.
The next court session will determine whether the accused can apply for bail and how the state will proceed with the robbery and assault charges.
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