The Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero is about to serve some serious katogo (mixed stew) as it prepares to rule on the bail application of three MPs. These politicians, caught in a web of corruption charges, are looking to the court for a lifeline. The ruling, set for August 5, 2024, has all the makings of a drama that could rival any local telenovela.
On August 2, 2024, the saga kicked off with MPs Yusuf Mutambuli of Bunyole East, Paul Akamba of Busiki County, and Cissy Namujju applying for bail. Justice Lawrence Gidudu, the man with the gavel, listened to their pleas, as their squad of lawyers—Mwesigwa Rukutana, Caleb Alaka, Evans Ochieng, and others—presented a case thicker than Luwombo (traditional Ugandan stew).
The lawyers pulled out all the stops, arguing that as MPs with permanent residences, their clients were less likely to vanish into thin air like the last rolex (street food) at dawn. They highlighted the principle of innocence until proven guilty and the constitutional right to bail, hoping to sway Justice Gidudu with their well-cooked arguments.
To sweeten the deal, they lined up several MPs as sureties. This star-studded cast included Stephen Baka of Bukooli County, Florence Nebanda of Butaleja Woman, and a host of others. They were ready to vouch for their colleagues like a bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) driver swearing by his ride.
But, as every Ugandan knows, not all matooke (plantain) gets served ripe. Chief Attorney Jonathan Muwaganya from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions wasn’t buying the story. He argued that the sureties were not substantial, referring to Rule 7 of the Anti-Corruption Case Management Rule of 2021. To him, being an MP didn’t automatically qualify one to meet the bail terms. It was like saying owning a kitenge (traditional fabric) made you a tailor.
Muwaganya pushed further, claiming the accused hadn’t shown any exceptional circumstances to justify their release. He urged the court to consider the seriousness of the alleged offenses. It’s said that Mutambuli, Akamba, and Namujju solicited a 20% cut from the anticipated enhanced budget of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) for the financial year 2024/2025. They allegedly promised to use their sway over the Parliament Budget Committee to increase UHRC’s budget, a move that sounds as slick as a Kampala conman.
Of course, the trio denied the charges faster than you can say “Naye!,” standing firm in their innocence. Their fate now rests with Justice Gidudu, who will decide if they go back to their homes or spend more nights listening to the infamous Nakasero mosquitos.
