The Kawempe Chief Magistrates Court has dismissed a mandatory bail application filed by ten supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), despite them having spent more than 60 days on remand.
Last month, the suspects petitioned the court seeking mandatory release, arguing that their continued detention violated the constitutional requirement for bail after 60 days without trial. The group, currently held at Luzira Prison, faces charges including unlawful drilling, conspiracy to commit a felony, and related offenses.
Presiding Magistrate Damalie Agumaasiimwe acknowledged that the applicants had surpassed the 60-day constitutional threshold but emphasized that mandatory bail is not automatic. She noted that the court must also consider the interests of justice, public safety, and the protection of witnesses.
The accused—who include prominent NUP security and leadership figures—are alleged to have organized a military-style parade on February 12, 2024, in celebration of NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s birthday.
The suspects include; Edward Ssebufu (alias Eddie Mutwe), Calvin Tasi (alias Bobi Giant), Achileo Kivumbi, Saudah Madaada (alias AIGP Madaada), Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro (NUP Deputy Spokesperson), Tonny Kawesi, Sharif Lukenge, Yasin Nyanzi, Doreen Kaija (Principal of the NUP School of Leadership), and Edwin Sserukuma (alias Eddy King Kabejja).
Defense lawyers Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa argued that Article 23(6)(b) of the Constitution mandates release once an accused person has spent 60 days on remand without trial.
However, the prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Sharon Nambuya and Bruce Twongirwe, contended that mandatory bail does not equate to automatic freedom. They urged the court to consider public interest and the safety of witnesses.
In her ruling, Magistrate Agumaasiimwe held that the risk of interference with witnesses remains high. She added that although the sureties presented were substantial and traceable, they were insufficient to outweigh the prevailing security concerns.
