The debate intensified after videos circulated online showing groups of youth dressed in the ruling National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) yellow attire performing coordinated marches and exercises.
The incident raised questions from opposition supporters and sections of the public about why the young people seen in the viral videos had not been arrested, especially at a time when several National Unity Platform (NUP) members were in detention over similar accusations.
Rusoke appeared on NTV Uganda to address the concerns. During the interview, he acknowledged that the police had received numerous questions about the videos.
He urged Ugandans to remain patient and allow investigations to run their course.
“If these ones were involved in a military drill, the most important thing is that I will be here to announce the action,” he said.
“My job as a police PRO is to communicate what happens, and I will announce any decisions taken about them.”
According to Rusoke, he had personally received many messages on social media asking why the NRM-affiliated group had not been subjected to the same treatment as opposition supporters.
He said the police were aware of the public’s concerns and would follow the law.
The discussion comes at a time when several NUP members, including Deputy Spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, aspirant Sauda Madada, Olivia Lutaaya, Bobby Giant, and others, are remanded in Luzira Prison.
They were arrested following an incident on February 12, 2025, when security agencies accused them of conducting training exercises at the NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule without authorisation.
The suspects were charged under Section 45(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act, which criminalises any unauthorised activity that resembles military training or drilling.
They have all pleaded not guilty, but their bail applications have faced repeated delays, drawing criticism from opposition leaders.
NUP party president Bobi Wine was among the first to highlight the contrasting responses.
In a message shared alongside the viral NRM youth video, he argued that the government’s handling of the two incidents reflected bias.
He said authorities had claimed the NRM group was only “standing and singing,” while NUP officials had been detained for activities of a similar nature.
In his NTV appearance, Rusoke emphasised that any form of military-style drilling requires official clearance before it can take place.
“Anyone who takes part in illegal drilling needs clearance from the Minister,” he explained, referring to the legal requirement that such permissions must come from the Attorney General.
When asked whether the NRM-linked group had obtained this clearance, Rusoke declined to give a definitive answer.
“I don’t know if the NRM people were cleared, but my role is to announce what will happen to them,” he said.
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