BREAKING: MPs Mawanda, Akamba out on bail
The bail comes exactly two weeks after the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba cracked over Mawanda's arrest and charges, claiming the Igara East MP was being persecuted
NATIONAL | Legislators Michael Mawanda and Paul Akamba have received temporary relief from prison after the Anti-Corruption Court granted them bail on Friday.
The duo - alongside city lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko - were released under stringent bail conditions.
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Justice Jane Kajuga set the cash bail at Shs35 million for each of the accused.
Additionally, the court imposed a Shs50 million non-cash bond for the sureties, who are responsible for ensuring that the accused comply with all bail conditions.
These conditions include the surrender of their passports to the court and mandatory reporting to the court registry every two weeks.
The accused were also specifically instructed not to interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations, with the judge warning that any violation of these conditions could result in the revocation of their bail.
Mr Akamba, who was dramatically re-arrested outside court after being granted bail in June, can finally have that temporary freedom.
In her ruling, Judge Kajuga emphasised that the decision to grant bail was in line with the constitutional rights of the accused, while also balancing the need to ensure that justice is served.
But the bail relief came exactly two weeks after the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, criticised Mr Mawanda's charges and incerceration, claiming that the Igara East MP was being persecuted.
Mawanda was arrested on June 19 after a police investigation found him culpable in a Shs7 billion corruption case related to cooperative war loss compensation.
"My friend, Michael Mawanda, is in prison (and they think we shall stay quiet forever) while people who have stolen from this country for decades are still ministers?" General Muhoozi posted.
In another post, he said: "He was taken to prison by some politically dilapidated people in NRM for the 'great crime' of supporting Muhoozi Kainerugaba in Bushenyi. That’s his only crime. Supporting me. Free Mawanda!"
The Judiciary did not comment on the controversial posts.
But Judge Kajuga, who earlier this week looked into the gloomy charges against the legislators and urged them to consider plea bargain, has allowed Mawanda and the others to continue their trial from home.
Mr Mawanda is one of the leaders of Patriotic League Uganda or PLU, a civic organisation led by Gen Muhoozi.
Alongside Busiki County MP Paul Akamba and former Trade Ministry Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali, Mr Mawanda is currently facing charges related to the Shs7 billion corruption case.
The corruption trial begins in November.