The High Court in Masaka has blocked bail for the bodyguards of National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi, ruling that releasing them could endanger the public, including journalists.
On the morning of the ruling, members and supporters of the NUP gathered at Masaka High Court, anticipating the verdict on the bail application.
Security around the court was significantly heightened as both legal teams and supporters prepared for proceedings.
Inside the tightly secured courtroom, the suspects were presented at around 2pm. Eddie Mutwe and Achileo Kivumbi appeared via video link from Luzira Prison, while Grace Wakabi and Mugumya Gadaph were physically present in court.
The ruling on the bail application was delivered by Simon Ntoroko, the Chief Magistrate of Masaka, on behalf of High Court Judge Fatuma Nanziri.
Before the decision was handed down, defence lawyer Sam Muyizzi raised concerns over the absence of state prosecutors.
“We are disappointed that the prosecution did not show up, yet this is a matter affecting the liberty of the accused,” Muyizzi said.
Despite the prosecution’s absence, the judge proceeded with the ruling.
“The court has decided to proceed with the ruling in the absence of the state prosecutors since the defense and the accused are all in attendance,” the court stated.
'Danger to public'
In her written judgment, which exceeded 20npages, Justice Nanziri raised concerns about the credibility of the sureties presented by the defence team.
“The sureties presented were not satisfactory in the eyes of the court; they lacked the necessary legal requirements to stand in,” Nanziri explained.
The judge also noted that the accused—Eddie Mutwe, Achileo Kivumbi, Grace Wakabi, and Mugumya Gadaph—are facing serious charges, including aggravated robbery and assault.
She said the court has reason to believe that releasing them could lead to further threats against witnesses or disruptions in their communities.
“There is a credible threat that the accused could interfere with witnesses or destabilize areas where they previously operated, should they be released.”
Following the ruling, NUP supporters protested outside the court. Inside, the accused, led by Mugumya Gadaph, urged their colleagues and supporters to remain firm.
“We remain strong and urge everyone out there to continue the fight. This is not the end,” Mugumya said.
Defence lawyers led by Muyizzi and joined by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, said they had done all they could to argue for the suspects’ release.
“We did our best to show they deserved bail, but we respect the court’s decision. However, we remain concerned about the pattern we’re seeing,” Ssenyonyi said.
The judge also directed that the trial should commence without delay. However, NUP members believe the process is politically motivated.
“This is a clear attempt to paralyze the activities of the opposition. We see this as a political trap disguised as judicial procedure,” Majerani Kazibwe said.
