MP Akamba rearrested on bail, Namujju and Mutembuli denied

The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has turned down bail pleas of legislators Cissy Namujju and Yusuf Mutembuli, who are facing corruption charges.

However, the court granted bail to Busiki County MP Paul Akamba, who is also facing similar charges.

Mr Akamba was released on a cash bond of Shs13 million, with his sureties required to post a non-cash bond of Shs100 million each.

But there was drama outside the court when the Namutumba legislator's temporary freedom was less than temporary as he was immediately re-arrested by detectives outside the court premises.

Bunyole East MP Mutembuli's bail was denied because one of his sureties did not meet all the necessary requirements.

Lwengo Woman MP Namujju's application was rejected due to her failure to provide a letter confirming her residence.

Both MPs have been remanded to Luzira Prison until June 17 when their case will be heard again.

The Anti-Corruption Court was bustling today with Members of Parliament, commissioners, relatives, and friends of the three MPs, who were arrested on Monday on charges of soliciting a 20 percent kickback from the budget of the Uganda Human Rights Commission.

Some relatives and friends gathered outside the crowded court premises, listening intently to the proceedings inside.

As the accused Namujju, Akamba, and Mutembuli entered the dock, Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro granted Akamba bail after his sureties, MPs Mariam Naigaga and Henry Kibalya met the required conditions.

Mr Akamba wasordered to surrender his passport and pay a cash bond of 13 million shillings, with his sureties paying a non-cash bond of Shs100 million each.

Ms Aciro, who chose not to appear on camera, rejected Namujju's bail application due to her failure to provide a letter confirming her residence, despite her sureties meeting the conditions.

Mutembuli’s bail application was also rejected after one of his sureties, Minsa Namukose, failed to present a letter confirming her employment as a development officer in Mukono.

As a result, both Namujju and Mutembuli were remanded to Luzira Prison until June 17, when their case will be revisited.

The prosecution assured the court that investigations were complete and that they are ready to proceed with the trial at any time.

As court adjourned, the defendants were taken back into custody, and their supporters and relatives lined up to see their legislators.

Supporters of the MPs who were denied bail expressed their disappointment, vowing to return on the next court date with everything required in check.

After MP Akamba was released, he was immediately re-arrested by JAT officers outside the court amidst a scuffle before being whisked away.