Kampala, Uganda: The Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court Friday declined to grant bail to ten National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, including party president Robert Kyagulanyi’s personal bodyguards Edward Ssebuufu alias Eddie Mutwe and Achileo Kivumbi, who were arrested over alleged unlawful military drilling at the party’s Makerere-Kavule offices.
Others include NUP deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Kampala Central Woman Lord Councillor aspirant Saudah Madaada, party school coordinator Dorren Kaija, and four other close aides to the NUP president.
While delivering the ruling, Grade One Magistrate Damalie Agumaasiimwe upheld objections raised by State Prosecutor Sharon Sarah Nambuya, who argued that the accused were flight risks, could interfere with investigations, and that their sureties were not substantial.
“Granting bail is discretionary and depends on whether the applicants have satisfied court that they will abide by the conditions imposed and not interfere with the ongoing investigations,” she held, remanding them further until October 22.
The group, charged with “unlawful drilling” and “conspiracy to commit a felony” under Section 45 of the Penal Code Act, will remain on remand pending further proceedings. The State also pointed to separate charges of aggravated robbery against Mutwe and Kivumbi before the High Court in Masaka, insisting this heightened the risk of absconding.
Defence lawyers countered that the offences are bailable and that the accused presented substantial sureties with fixed places of abode. They accused the State of relying on “speculative fears” rather than law, stressing that the accused remain innocent until proven guilty.
Outside court, NUP supporters expressed anger and frustration. “They are being denied their basic right to bail simply because of the colour of their berets,” said one supporter, who declined to be named for fear of reprisals.
The case has drawn strong criticism from human rights defenders and opposition voices, who accuse the State of criminalising political assembly and using the judiciary to frustrate NUP’s mobilisers ahead of the 2026 elections.
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