Kampala, Uganda — A senior official of the National Unity Platform (NUP), John Mary Ssebuwufu, has been further remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court for a bail hearing in a case involving charges of incitement to violence.
Ssebuwufu, who also serves as a Nakawa councillor and deputy chairperson of the NUP Election Management Committee, had reapplied for bail through his legal team, presenting four sureties before court.
However, the court deferred its ruling on the application and ordered that he remain on remand until March 24, 2026, when a decision on his bail request will be delivered.
According to the prosecution, Ssebuwufu is accused of inciting violence against supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) between November and December 2025 in several areas, including Kampala and Mukono.
The NUP official has denied the charges since his first court appearance on 6th February 2026.
His lawyer, Joel Ssenyonyi, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, told the court that his client is not attempting to evade prosecution but is simply requesting temporary freedom while awaiting the hearing of his case.
“Ssebuwufu is not seeking to run away from the law. He is only asking for temporary liberty as he awaits trial,” Ssenyonyi argued during the hearing.
The case comes amid ongoing political tensions following Uganda’s January 2026 general elections, which were strongly contested. Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, previously alleged irregularities in the electoral process.
Ssebuwufu’s arrest was part of a wider crackdown that saw several members of the National Unity Platform detained during the post-election period. Before being arraigned in court, he had reportedly been missing for about three weeks, raising concerns among opposition leaders and supporters.
Meanwhile, supporters gathered outside the court during the hearing, expressing solidarity with the detained official as legal proceedings continue.
The court is expected to deliver its ruling on the bail application on 24th March 2026.
