Lira City, Uganda: Lira-based TikToker and blogger Patrick Obonyo has been released on bail after spending two weeks on remand at Lira Central Prison over alleged election-related remarks.
Obonyo was granted bail on Friday by Grade One Magistrate Jonathan William Wamimbi at Lira Magistrates Court after the court found that he had fulfilled all bail conditions, including presenting substantial sureties.
Speaking shortly after the court session, Obonyo’s lawyer, Mr Okot Bitek, said the defence team is exploring an out-of-court settlement.
“As the defence, we are pursuing an amicable resolution of this matter,” Bitek told journalists. “We have initiated dialogue with the complainant with the hope that the matter can be resolved without prolonged litigation.”
He confirmed that discussions have been opened with Alfred Olwa, who is the complainant in the case. “This is an issue that arose from comments made in the course of public debate. We believe engagement and mutual understanding can provide a way forward,” he said.
However, Bitek emphasised that court proceedings remain active and that Obonyo will comply with all directives.
Background to the Case
Obonyo was arrested over comments he made in Luo concerning alleged electoral malpractice involving a religious leader and the reported use of church premises during elections.
His arrest triggered a response from the Uganda Law Society (ULS), which demanded his immediate release.
In a statement issued on February 16, 2026, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony described the arrest as troubling and warned against intimidation of citizens participating in public discourse. “Citizens do not require permission to discuss elections. Elections are matters of the highest public interest,” Asiimwe said.
The lawyers’ body cited Article 29(1)(a) of the Constitution of Uganda, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, urging authorities to uphold constitutionalism.
With Obonyo now out on bail, focus shifts to whether ongoing negotiations between the defence and the complainant will result in a settlement before the next court appearance.
Proceedings are scheduled to resume at Lira Magistrates Court on March 19, 2026.
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Lira City, Uganda: Lira-based TikToker and blogger Patrick Obonyo has been released on bail after spending two weeks on remand at Lira Central Prison over alleged election-related remarks.
Obonyo was granted bail on Friday by Grade One Magistrate Jonathan William Wamimbi at Lira Magistrates Court after the court found that he had fulfilled all bail conditions, including presenting substantial sureties.
Speaking shortly after the court session, Obonyo’s lawyer, Mr Okot Bitek, said the defence team is exploring an out-of-court settlement.
“As the defence, we are pursuing an amicable resolution of this matter,” Bitek told journalists. “We have initiated dialogue with the complainant with the hope that the matter can be resolved without prolonged litigation.”
He confirmed that discussions have been opened with Alfred Olwa, who is the complainant in the case. “This is an issue that arose from comments made in the course of public debate. We believe engagement and mutual understanding can provide a way forward,” he said.
However, Bitek emphasised that court proceedings remain active and that Obonyo will comply with all directives.
Background to the Case
Obonyo was arrested over comments he made in Luo concerning alleged electoral malpractice involving a religious leader and the reported use of church premises during elections.
His arrest triggered a response from the Uganda Law Society (ULS), which demanded his immediate release.
In a statement issued on February 16, 2026, ULS Vice President Asiimwe Anthony described the arrest as troubling and warned against intimidation of citizens participating in public discourse. “Citizens do not require permission to discuss elections. Elections are matters of the highest public interest,” Asiimwe said.
The lawyers’ body cited Article 29(1)(a) of the Constitution of Uganda, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, urging authorities to uphold constitutionalism.
With Obonyo now out on bail, focus shifts to whether ongoing negotiations between the defence and the complainant will result in a settlement before the next court appearance.
Proceedings are scheduled to resume at Lira Magistrates Court on March 19, 2026.
Related
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.