The Kawempe Magistrate’s Court in Kanyanya on Tuesday revisited the bail application for 11 National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders and supporters, with defence lawyers insisting the group is legally entitled to mandatory bail after spending over 60 days on remand without trial before a magistrate’s court.
The supporters, arrested on charges of unlawful drilling, have been in custody since their first appearance.
Relatives and party officials have repeatedly raised concerns about their wellbeing, saying several detainees urgently need medical treatment that is not accessible inside prison facilities.
After submissions from the defence and prosecution, Grade One Magistrate Damalie Agumasiimwe adjourned the matter and set December 5, 2025, as the date for delivering her ruling on whether the group will be released on bail.
Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi, who attended the session, expressed concern about the health of the detainees and urged the court to apply the law fairly.
“Some of them are in desperate need of medical attention, which they cannot access while in jail. They have completed the mandatory period required for bail, and we hope court will act in the interest of justice,” Ssenyonyi said.
The NUP maintains that the arrests are politically motivated, while authorities insist the supporters must answer to the charges brought against them.
The court’s decision on December 5 will determine whether the 11 regain their freedom as they await trial.