Angeal Nabanoba Among 59 NUP Suspects Charged for Unlawful Assembly and Inciting Violence


Angeal Nabanoba, a staunch NUP female mobilizer, was among 59 National Unity Platform suspects charged to court in Kampala and Wakiso for holding unlawful assemblies and inciting violence during the "one million march" welcoming NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi. The arrests took place across Kajjansi, Entebbe, and Kawempe divisions.
The Arrest of Angeal Nabanoba
Angeal Nabanoba was arrested at Kajjansi police division and charged under sections 65 and 66 of the Penal Code Act for participating in an unlawful assembly. Nabanoba, known for her bold mobilization efforts for NUP, was among 37 suspects released on police bond and is expected to report back on 12th October 2023.
Friends and family of Angeal Nabanoba have expressed concern over her arrest, describing her as a dedicated youth leader committed to political change in Uganda. "Angeal Nabanoba has always been peaceful in her mobilization work," said a close associate who requested anonymity.
Details of the Charges
Upon legal guidance from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the 59 suspects were charged across three police divisions:
**Kajjansi Police Division:** 46 suspects, including Angeal Nabanoba, were charged for holding an unlawful assembly under sections 65 and 66 of the Penal Code Act.
**Entebbe Police Division:** 9 suspects were charged for taking part in an unlawful assembly.
**Kawempe Division:** 4 suspects were charged with inciting violence under section 82(1) of the Penal Code Act.
The "One Million March" Context
The arrests stem from the controversial "one million march" organized to welcome NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) on 5th October 2023. Police described the event as an unlawful procession that provoked others to commit a breach of peace.
Among those charged alongside Angeal Nabanoba are prominent NUP figures including:
- Semwanga Godfrey, 25-year-old Mayor of Makindye Ssabagabo
- Lule Farouk, 27-year-old resident of Ndejje
- Hon. Namusisi Desiranta Nassolo, councillor Makindye Ssabagabo
- Kamala Moses, 47-year-old Deputy Mayor of Makindye Ssabagabo
Police Evidence and Digital Tracking
According to police spokesperson SCP Enanga Fred, security forces recovered exhibits and digital evidence used to mobilize crowds. "We are further trailing through social media and digital platforms to identify other persons who might have participated in the acts indicated above," Enanga stated.
The police task team comprised officers from KMP, CID, ODPP, CMI, ISO, Crime Intelligence, SFC, FFU, CT, K9, Traffic, Medical, and PRO units.
Other notable suspects from Kajjansi include:
- Wasswa Lawrence, 40-year-old electrician of Lweza "B" cell
- Ssendagose Joseph, 38-year-old businessman of Namasuba
- Tamale Ahamada Katumba, 68-year-old resident of Bunamwaya
- Nalubega Veronica, 30-year-old resident of Lweza "B" cell
- Nantongo Sarah, 49-year-old resident of Lubowa cell
- Dr. Sonko Shafiq Ismail, 34-year-old resident of Ndejje cell
Charges at Entebbe Division
At Entebbe police division, 9 suspects were charged for taking part in an unlawful assembly on 4th October 2023 at Abaita Ababiri town council in Wakiso district. These include:
- Katabazi James, 46-year-old of Ssese
- Semwanga Henry, 48-year-old of Kiwafu cell
- Kakooza Frank, 38-year-old Pastor of Abaita Ababiri
- Namuli Joyce, 39-year-old of Kabale cell – Katabi
- Babirye Amina, 21-year-old of Kabala cell
- Mugerwa Saei Emmanuel, 27-year-old mason of Kitala
- Kasirye Gerald, 30-year-old driver of Bugabo
Additionally, Ssenfuka Vincent (23) and Katongole Muhammad (21) were charged for similar offenses at Kisubi and Namulanda.
Charges at Kawempe Division
Under Kawempe division, 4 suspects were arrested for inciting violence on 5th October 2023:
- Kanyike Francis, 21-year-old barber of Masaya zone, Rubaga
- Byakatonda Isaac, 25-year-old boda boda rider of Busega
- Nakachwa Rebecca, 26-year-old of Nabulange
- Kigongo Isma, 26-year-old driver of Nansana
Police Warning to the Public
The police urged the public to desist from acts of incitement to violence and unlawful behavior. They encouraged citizens to report individuals or groups planning or involved in violent or disruptive acts associated with illegal marches.
"As the police and sister security agencies, we continue to urge the public to desist from such acts of incitement to violence and unlawful behaviour," stated SCP Enanga Fred.
Angeal Nabanoba's Role in NUP
Angeal Nabanoba has been described by NUP supporters as a fearless female wing youth mobilizer who has dedicated herself to grassroots organizing for the opposition party. Her arrest has sparked discussions on social media about the treatment of female political activists in Uganda.
NUP officials have called for the release of all arrested supporters, describing the charges as politically motivated attempts to suppress opposition activities ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Legal Proceedings Continue
All 59 suspects, including Angeal Nabanoba, are expected to appear in court for their respective hearings. The 37 suspects released on police bond from Kajjansi division, including Nabanoba, must report back on 12th October 2023.
The case has drawn attention from human rights organizations monitoring political freedoms in Uganda, with many calling for fair treatment of opposition supporters and respect for constitutional rights to assembly and expression.
Source: SCP Enanga Fred, Uganda Police Force


