(Kampala) – Prosecutors from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have challenged the bail application of Anthony Agaba, commonly known as Bobi Young, who serves as a bodyguard for National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi. Bobi Young, 31, has been in custody since June 24, 2024, facing a charge of unlawful possession of defense stores under Sections 160 (1) and (2) (C) of the UPDF Act, 2005.
During the bail hearing at the General Court Martial (GCM) in Makindye, Captain Gift Mubehamwe argued against granting bail. He stated that Bobi Young’s sureties were not substantial enough to ensure his compliance with court orders. “We object to the applicant’s bail application on the grounds that he will interfere with state witnesses, which would jeopardize the hearing of the case. He is also likely not to comply with bail terms and conditions,” Mubehamwe asserted on October 21, 2024.
The prosecution’s case relies on an affidavit from Lieutenant Elly Musinguzi, an officer from the Directorate of Prosecutions within the UPDF. Musinguzi is also an investigator at the Special Investigations Branch of the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security and was involved in the investigation of Bobi Young’s case.
Bobi Young’s sureties included friends Ian Lwanga and Ivan Ssegujja, aged 22. The prosecution dismissed Ssegujja as too young to effectively ensure Bobi Young’s return to court. In response, defense lawyers George Musisi, Benjamin Katana, and Shamim Malende, who is also the Kampala District Woman Member of Parliament, countered the prosecution’s claims. They argued that there is no legal precedent in Uganda or elsewhere that prevents a 22-year-old from serving as a surety for an accused person. “My lord, we reiterate our earlier request that you find all our sureties substantial and release the applicant on bail,” Musisi stated.
The prosecution alleges that on May 23, 2024, Bobi Young was found in unlawful possession of UPDF insignia for the rank of Major General at Mutungo Zone III in Nakawa division, Kampala. This charge raises concerns about the unauthorized possession of military items.
Brigadier General Robert Freeman Mugabe, the chairperson of the GCM, has adjourned the case to October 30, 2024, when he will deliver a ruling on the bail application.
