Presidential advisor allegedly found with Hippo teeth, granted bail

The Buganda Road chief magistrate James Mawanda Ereemye on Wednesday granted a Shs 20m non cash bail to Yekoyada Nuwagaba, a presidential advisor on Political Matters.

Yokoyada was on December 8 arrested over unlawful possession of protected wildlife species worth more than Shs 200 million. He was consequently remanded to Luzira prison despite denying charges in the same court.

Prosecution led by the state attorney, Winnie Namayenje told court that Yekodaya was first arrested in February and granted Police bond, which he jumped leading to his rearrest on December 8 at Uganda Wildlife Authority’s headquarters in Kamwokya.

Namayenje argued that the accused can not be granted bail basing on such a record. She prayed that court slaps a Shs 10million cash bail and also confiscate his passport.

However, Yekoyada’s lawyer, Simon Peter Musangala argued that his client needed time to prepare his case. He said since his client has no criminal record, the three sureties should be enough to help him get bail.

While delivering his bail ruling, Ereemye, said that he does not believe in cash bail. Taking into account of the three sureties of the accuse who included; Seben Stephen, special president assistant, and Gashom Ahimbisibwe, UNRA supplies officer, he released Yekoyada on bail pending his case hearing on January 9, 2017.

By Promise Twinamukye