Saudah Madaada, a die-hard supporter of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) and candidate for the Kampala Central Lord Councilor’s seat, spent the night behind bars following her arrest at the Uganda-Kenya border in Busia.
News of her arrest began circulating on Tuesday evening and was later confirmed by NUP’s General Secretary, David Lewis Rubongoya, through his X account.
“We have been informed of the arrest of our sister Saudah Madaada by the Police at Busia. When she inquired about why she was being arrested, she was told that her file is at Wandegeya Police and they will transfer her there,” Rubongoya posted.
Madaada first gained national prominence during the 2018 Arua by-election campaign trails, where she survived a shooting incident in the same vehicle in which Yasin Kawuma, the driver of then-MP Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), was killed.
She is also a member of the NUP security brigade, known for donning overalls and red belts while providing protection to party leaders during campaigns and events. Her trademark ceremonial uniforms—designed in NUP colors and resembling an army general’s attire—earned her nicknames such as “General Saudah” and “Field Marshal” within NUP circles, despite her lack of formal military training.
In the run-up to the 2026 elections, Madaada expressed interest in representing Kampala Central as a councillor. Although the NUP party flag was awarded to another candidate, she was later nominated by the Electoral Commission as an independent.
She now joins several NUP leaders and supporters who have been arrested, charged in court, or remain in detention in recent months. On Monday, other NUP supporters—including Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Serunkuuma Edwin alias Eddie King Kabenja, Lukenge Sharif, Nyanzi Yasin, and Kaweesi—were charged with offenses related to participating in military drills.
Other NUP leaders recently arrested include Deputy Party Spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro, whose whereabouts remain unclear, and musician-turned-politician Nubian Li, who was briefly detained at the Electoral Commission offices in Ntinda before being released. The NUP leadership has condemned these arrests, describing them as politically motivated and state-sponsored, intended to intimidate their supporters ahead of the 2026 general elections.
