Thirteen supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) have been remanded after being arrested while travelling to attend a burial in Luwero District.
The supporters were reportedly intercepted by security personnel while travelling from Kampala, leading to their arrest and detention at Kawempe Police Station.
According to NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, the group was arrested for wearing party colours and carrying a national flag during the journey.
The supporters were later taken to court, where they were charged with being a nuisance and allegedly handling the national flag in a careless and degrading manner.
They appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Kanyanya on Monday.
The court remanded them until August 28 as investigations into the allegations continue.
Rubongoya said the group was not given an opportunity to apply for bail before they were sent on remand.
“They’ve not been allowed to even make a bail application but have been remanded till the 28th,” Rubongoya said.
The NUP secretary general accused the government of using legal charges to target opposition supporters.
He claimed that authorities have continued creating cases against opposition members in order to maintain what he described as a pool of political detainees.
The arrested supporters include Muwonge Martin, Bwire Hakim, Sseremba Paul and Kawanda Ezra.
Others are Ssali Fred, Simon Geserwa, Kasule Godfrey and Nakitende Vivian.
The group also includes Waswa Mohammed, Nayebale Grace, Musisi Shafiq, Lubega Shakuru and Ssuuna Simon.
Their arrest has sparked debate among opposition supporters, who say they are facing continued pressure from security agencies.
NUP supporters have often accused authorities of restricting their activities and targeting members because of their political affiliation.
The party has repeatedly raised concerns over arrests of its supporters during political activities and public gatherings.
However, security authorities have in previous cases maintained that arrests are based on violations of the law and not political persecution.
The latest incident has added to ongoing tensions between the opposition party and government authorities.
Supporters of NUP have described the arrests as another difficult moment for the party, which has faced several legal and political challenges since its formation.
The case will continue when the suspects return to court on August 28.
Meanwhile, their supporters and party leaders are calling for their release as they await further court proceedings.
