The Kanyanya Chief Magistrates Court has fixed December 5th, 2025, to decide on the mandatory bail application by the supporters of opposition NUP who are facing charges of unlawful military drilling.
The date was fixed on Tuesday by the trial Magistrate Damalie Agumasiimwe after the application made by the accused persons’ lawyers led by Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa.
Mulindwa told the court that the majority of their clients have clocked over sixty days on remand without trial, and as such, they are entitled to mandatory bail.
The defense lawyers said apart from Olivia Lutaaya, who needs bail to get treatment from torture meted out on her while she was arrested from NUP presidential Candidate’s campaign trail in Mbarara, the rest have been in prison for a combined period between 60 to 90 days without hope when the hearing of the case will commence.
The other suspects include Edward Ssebufu (alias Eddie Mutwe), Acleo Kivumbi, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro (NUP Deputy Spokesperson), Doreen Kaija (Principal of the NUP Leadership School), Saudah Madada, Tasi Calvin (alias Bobi Giant), Edwin Sserunkuma (alias Eddy King Kabejja), Sharif Lukenge, Yasin Nyanzi, and Tonny Kaweesi.
However, the Resident Chief State Attorney, Sharon Nambuya, and Bruce Twongirwe opposed the bail application, saying the right to apply is not a guarantee to be granted.
The Prosecution noted that the court must balance public interest, safety of the community, and victims at large.
The Prosecutors said unlawful drilling is a security-related offense and their activities cause threats to the public.
The court has also heard that the applicants hold high positions in NUP and can interfere with prosecution witnesses since they have already disclosed to the defence.
“This is a political season and there is a need to take communities in seriously into consideration and protect them from unlawful activities”, the Prosecutor told the Court.
Nambuya further stated that for an applicant to qualify for mandatory bail, they must satisfy certain conditions, such as substantial sureties and proof of fixed places of abode, and that mandatory bail is not mandatory as the court must exercise its discretion.
She said that there is no likelihood of the delay of the trial as the state had witnesses in court.
She noted that some of the applicants, like Olivia Lutaaya, need medical attention, as well as Saudah Madada, who earlier on was vomiting blood at court and was rushed to Mulago Hospital.
But to the Prosecution, the suspects’ medical condition can be handled well in prison. The prison facilities have full medical services.
In the Sauda Madada case, the prosecutor said any human being may fall sick at any time. The accused were taken back on remand until next month for the decision of court.
According to the prosecution, on February 12, 2025, at the NUP offices in Makerere–Kavule, Wandegeya, Kawempe Division, the accused persons conducted military drills without the Minister’s permission.
The gathering allegedly involved training participants in military exercises, movements, and evolutions, contrary to Section 45(1)(b) of the Penal Code Act. In a second count, the two are accused of conspiring to commit a felony under Section 363 of the Penal Code Act.