Mbarara Magistrates’ Court has set December 22 as the date for ruling on the bail applications of 40 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters charged with obstructing a law enforcement officer.
The ruling date was set on Thursday by Acting Chief Magistrate Alex Baguma after hearing submissions from both the prosecution and the defence.
The accused were arrested on November 7, 2025, and remanded to Mbarara Main Prison. State Attorney Davise Ariho objected to the bail applications, citing multiple grounds.
He argued that the accused are facing charges related to obstruction of security personnel and that the complainant was entitled to give his opinion under Regulation 13(2) of the Bail Guidelines. Ariho further challenged the identification of the applicants, saying some failed to sufficiently prove their identities despite presenting introductory letters from local council chairpersons. He also objected to sureties presented from districts outside the court’s jurisdiction.
“Your Worship, some accused persons presented sureties from districts such as Kampala, Lyantonde, Gomba, and Karungu. This does not give confidence that they will execute their responsibility as sureties,” Ariho submitted.
He added that one accused, Ingrid Akanjurira, presented a surety whose documents were not written in English, the official court language.
Ariho asked the court to reject the bail applications and instead proceed with an expeditious trial, saying the prosecution was ready to proceed.
Lead defence lawyer, Allan Musasire, dismissed the prosecution’s claims, arguing that the state’s objections were not supported by law.
He said Regulation 13(4), cited by the prosecution, applies to offences involving violence, yet neither the charge sheet nor Section 221B of the Penal Code—under which the accused are charged—mentions violence.
“The state has not presented any amended charge sheet or affidavit showing that violence occurred. The allegation of violence is an afterthought,” Musasire argued.
About the sureties, Musasire said there is no requirement in the Bail Guidelines that sureties must come from within the jurisdiction of the court.
Deusdedit Bwengye also opposed the complainant’s opinion being considered, arguing it was not grounded in specific facts.
The prosecution presented the complainant, SP Kenneth Kabwigo, the Mbarara City Police Commander, who told the court he was subjected to physical attacks and threats by the accused during their arrest. He said he still receives threats linked to the case.
However, Bwengye argued that Kabwigo neither identified any accused person nor demonstrated how they could threaten him while they were in prison.
“We pray that the court does not act out of fear,” he submitted.
After hearing the submissions, Magistrate Baguma said he had just taken over the matter and required time to study the arguments before delivering his ruling. The case was adjourned to December 22.
Those facing charges include: Namazzi Hajara, Augustine Matsiko, Brenda Kamperu, Ingrid Akanjurira, Daphine Nabimanya, Shabiba Nalubega, Meira Karungi Atwooki, Zawadi Nabukeera, Mutoni Wmaana, Rose Asingwire, Peace Kyomuhangi, Sarah Tayebwa, Dismus Ndamiye, Arnold Mugasira, Sarah Kiconco, Jean Akorekwa Muyambi, Ben Byamukama, Ronah Atuhaire, Shanitah Karungi, Paskali Ayesigamukama, Zadoki Ahereza, Fred Akandwanaho, Lauben Nimumanya, David Nuwahereza, Maria Gorret Alimpa, Aisha Nabukenya Lubenga, Hassan Musasizi, Enock Aine, Dirisa Kibirige, Prince Tugumisirize, Emmanuel Kihembo, Moreen Mugide, Foustin Wanikina, Joshua Elwelu, Richard Nuwamanya, Moses Arinaitwe, Lyton Barekye Agaba, and Gordon Ssebagala.
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