Proceedings at Kawempe Magistrates Court were on Tuesday abruptly halted after the deteriorating health condition of jailed National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter Saudah Madaada prompted an emergency medical evacuation from the court cells to hospital.
Madaada, who is jointly charged with NUP Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro on counts of unlawful military drilling and conspiracy to commit a felony, could not be brought into the courtroom after prison warders informed the magistrate that she was vomiting blood, had been connected to a urinary catheter, and was unable to walk.
Grade One Magistrate Damalie Agumasiimwe and two defence lawyers moved to the court holding cells to personally assess her condition. On returning to the courtroom, the magistrate announced that Chief Magistrate Roselyn Nsenge had already authorised an ambulance for immediate evacuation.
“She has told me she is on medication and still continuing with it,” Magistrate Agumasiimwe told court. Adding, “The Chief Magistrate has called for high evacuation services to ensure she is taken to hospital for specialised care. We apologise that this was not brought to our attention earlier. We are also responsible for these prisoners.”
Madaada’s mother, who broke down upon learning of her daughter’s condition, was permitted by the Chief Magistrate to accompany her in the ambulance. “I have given access to her mother to move with her,” Agumasiimwe said.
Ten other accused persons appeared in the dock, but Madaada remained in the cells throughout due to her condition.
Background
The unlawful drilling case traces back to February 12, 2025, when security operatives arrested several NUP members at the party’s Makerere-Kavule offices in Kawempe Division.
Prosecution alleges that the accused convened a meeting where individuals were trained in military-style exercises without the Minister’s permission, contrary to Section 45 of the Penal Code Act.
Some of the accused include Mr Edward Ssebufu alias Eddie Mutwe, Mr Kivumbi Achileo, Mr Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Mr Edwin Sserunkuma alias Eddy King Kabejja, Mr Lukenge Sharif, and Mr Yasin Nyanzi. Another accused, Mr Tonny Kawesi, faces a separate count of unlawful drilling.
They were charged with unlawful drilling, conspiracy to commit a felony, and offences related to the wearing of uniforms resembling those of the armed forces. All have denied the allegations.