The newly created Kawempe Grade One Magistrate’s Court has remanded 16 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) to Luzira Prison on charges of obstruction, malicious damage, and common nuisance.
The 16 were among 22 NUP supporters arraigned before Grade One Magistrate William Muwonge after spending the night in detention at Wandegeya Police Station. They were arrested during Monday’s clashes at the NUP offices in Makerere Kavule, where NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) and other political leaders were leading a procession to a rally for Elias Nalukoola, the party’s candidate in the Kawempe North by-election.
The situation escalated into violence, prompting security forces to fire tear gas and physically assault some supporters. Among those arrested were Mukisa Prossy Nabbosa, Kato Kakooza, Abdul Kakaile, Peter Mutebi, and Samuel Kalule, who sustained injuries during their arrest.
Muwonge stated that the NUP supporters caused damage to a police vehicle and disrupted traffic. “You had unlawful possession and failed to discharge a legal duty by randomly walking in the middle of the road, shouting the ‘People Power, Our Power’ slogan, and inconveniencing the public,” he ruled.
He further noted that while moving from the NUP offices, the supporters, dressed in party overalls, were carrying stones and blocked a police vehicle (UP5760), preventing normal traffic flow. The accused denied the charges.
Their defense lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, applied for their release, arguing that the charges were minor and that some suspects required urgent medical attention following their violent arrest. However, the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the accused had pleaded not guilty and should remain in custody while investigations continue.
The court partially granted bail to six individuals, including Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko and Muwadda Nkunyingi, along with Mukisa Prossy Nabbosa, Kato Kakooza, Abdul Kakaile, Peter Mutebi, and Samuel Kalule, who were reportedly limping.
The remaining NUP supporters were remanded to Luzira Prison until Friday, March 7, when their bail applications will be reviewed.