The Kiboga Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to eight supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who were arrested earlier this week for allegedly holding an illegal political gathering.
Presided over by Magistrate Elias Kakooza, the court ruled that the eight be released on bail after spending two days in detention at Kiboga Police Station. They were each required to pay a non-cash bail of Shs5 million and to report back to court on November 18.
The eight, identified as Kikomeko Suliman, Muhwezi Joseph, Kawuki Alex, Katende Hamidu, Ssemanda Joseph, Ssebulime Abdul, Kintu John, and Nannono Justin, were charged with holding an unlawful assembly in violation of electoral and security regulations.
Magistrate Kakooza said the court considered the accused’s clean records, permanent residence, and first-time offender status in granting bail. However, he emphasised that the stringent conditions were necessary to ensure their return for trial.
The group was arrested in a police operation in Gogonya, Kibiga Sub-county, where they were reportedly attending a meeting to mobilise support for the NUP ahead of the 2026 elections. Police claimed the meeting had not been cleared by the relevant authorities.
Also among those initially detained was Christine Kaaya Nakimwero, the Woman Member of Parliament for Kiboga District and NUP chairperson for the area. Kaaya and three others were released earlier without formal charges.
Following the arrests, NUP leaders condemned the operation, calling it a politically motivated crackdown intended to intimidate opposition supporters.
“This is a clear attempt to silence our voices and restrict our right to organize,” said a senior NUP official. “We will continue to stand firm and defend our freedoms.”
The party pledged to provide legal representation for the accused and urged the international community to monitor the case closely.
Police, however, defended the arrests, insisting that the suspects violated electoral regulations by holding an unauthorized gathering.
“Our operations are guided by the law,” a police spokesperson said. “We do not target political parties but enforce regulations to maintain order and public safety.”
The decision to grant bail has drawn mixed reactions. NUP supporters expressed relief over the release but criticized the high bail conditions, calling them excessive.
“We are happy our comrades are out, but the bail amount is too high. These charges are baseless,” said one supporter outside the court.
Legal analysts also weighed in, with some describing the conditions as “stringent but lawful,” while others said they could discourage political participation.
The case has drawn national attention as Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections. Observers say it underscores the tense relationship between opposition parties and law enforcement agencies, as well as the ongoing debate over freedom of assembly.
The next hearing is scheduled for November 18, when the prosecution is expected to present evidence against the accused.
Political analysts note that the Kiboga case could serve as an indicator of the broader political climate as campaigns intensify ahead of the elections.