The Kawempe Magistrates Court has granted bail to three National Unity Platform supporters who were among 37 charged with inciting violence. All the suspects, arrested on Monday, denied the allegations.
Those released on bail are Kalyango Lugonvu Muhammad, Katende Yusufu, and lawyer Lukwago Abdul Malik. The trio appeared before the Grade One Magistrate on Tuesday alongside the other accused persons. Kalyango and Katende were visibly unwell, prompting their legal team to seek immediate release on medical grounds.
Bail for each of the three was set at Shs500,000 non-cash, while their sureties were bonded at Shs1 million non-cash. Although Kalyango did not present sureties, the magistrate ruled in his favour after noting his critical health condition.
State prosecutor Catherine Nakaggwa opposed the bail applications, arguing that the nature of the offence warranted continued detention.
“Given the seriousness of the charge of inciting violence, the State believes the accused should not be granted bail at this stage,” Nakaggwa submitted, adding that the ailing suspects could receive adequate treatment from prison facilities.
The trial magistrate, Angella Ayola, disagreed, stressing that the court could not ignore the right of the accused to appropriate medical care.
“This court will not allow an accused person’s health to deteriorate when there is no legal barrier to release. Those in critical condition deserve medical attention in a facility of their choice,” Ayola ruled.
The remaining 34 suspects were remanded and are expected back in court on Friday, November 28, for the hearing of their bail applications.
Court was packed with relatives and friends who had come to stand surety. Due to the overwhelming numbers, the lead lawyer, Kakuru Tumusiime, asked some of them to remain outside so the legal team could manage the cases more effectively.