At the Makindye-based General Court Martial, journalists were abruptly ejected while attempting to cover the hearing of bail applications for 28 detained supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP). The court, presided over by Brig Gen Freeman Mugabe, provided no explanation for this exclusion.
The accused individuals, who have been remanded in custody since December 2020, face charges of unlawful possession of 13 explosive devices allegedly found in their possession during the presidential campaigns. Despite previous attempts to secure bail, their applications have been repeatedly dismissed by the army court, citing concerns over the adequacy of their sureties.
The list of co-accused includes individuals such as Yasin Ssekitoleko alias Machete, Robert Christopher Rugumayo, Ronald Mayiga, and others. Their lawyer, Mr. George Musisi, has presented various grounds for their release, including their constitutional right to apply for bail, willingness to comply with release conditions, and assurance of non-interference with ongoing investigations and witnesses.
The group, arrested in Kalangala District during the campaign trail of then-presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, faces allegations of possession of explosive devices between November 2020 and May 12, 2021, in multiple areas across Uganda.
In addition to the existing charges, the accused were further charged with treachery in April of the previous year.
