Kampala, Uganda: After spending over two months on remand at Luzira Prison, Noah Mutwe, the National Unity Platform (NUP) mobiliser and bodyguard to Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, has finally been released on bail, following a controversial court ruling on constitutional provisions on personal liberty and fair hearing.
Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi on Wednesday, July 23, ordered the release of Nuwa Mutwe, real name Noah Mitala, jointly charged with former CID spokesperson Detective ASP Charles Twine, accused of inciting violence and spreading malicious communication against President Yoweri Museveni and First Son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
“Today, July 23, 2025, marks 61 days since the accused took plea on May 22, 2025. The trial has not commenced, and the State has not disclosed its evidence. He is entitled to mandatory bail under Article 23(6)(b),” Magistrate Kayizzi ruled.
Mutwe, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, was released on Shs5 million cash bail. His two sureties—Kawempe Mayor Emmanuel Sserunjoji and Buganda Kingdom Speaker Florence Kiwanuka—were each bonded at Shs50 million non-cash.
The prosecution had opposed the sureties, with State Attorney Ivan Kyazze dismissing the mayor as “a mere mayor,” and questioning his residence and documentation. The remark drew sharp reaction from the courtroom and the mayor himself.
“I am not a mere mayor, Your Worship. I represent thousands of people,” Sserunjoji fired back, prompting murmurs from the court gallery.
The State also questioned why earlier proposed sureties, Councilor Betty Nakaweesi and LC1 Chairperson Michael Buyondo, had abruptly withdrawn.
But the defense argued that Sserunjoji and Kiwanuka were respected civic leaders with strong community ties and moral standing. They cited precedents, including Obita Charles v. Uganda and Adiki Daud (2021), where community leaders were accepted as substantial sureties.
Magistrate Kayizzi sided with the defense, noting that the accused had fulfilled all bail requirements and deserved temporary freedom pending trial. However, the court restricted Mutwe from leaving Uganda without prior permission and adjourned the matter to August 25, 2025.
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