Kyagulanyi’s Bodyguard Seeks Bail Over Possession of Military Pips

National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi’s bodyguard, Anthony Agaba, also known as Bobi Young, has applied for bail in the General Court Martial (GCM) at Makindye, Kampala. Bobi Young, who has been in custody since June 24, 2024, is facing charges related to the unlawful possession of military insignia. He is accused of violating the UPDF Act, specifically Sections 160 (1) and (2)(C) which govern the possession of defense stores.

According to the prosecution, on May 23, 2024, at Mutungo Zone III, Nakawa division in Kampala, Bobi Young was allegedly found with pips belonging to the rank of Major General from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). These pips, a symbol of military authority, are restricted items and classified as defense stores under Ugandan law. The possession of such items without proper authorization is considered an offense.

In his defense, Bobi Young’s lawyer, Shamim Malende, who is also the Kampala Woman Member of Parliament, argued that her client has the right to bail, as the offense is bailable under Ugandan law. She emphasized that Bobi Young had presented substantial sureties and was ready to comply with any conditions the court might impose.

Malende stressed that the accused is still presumed innocent until proven guilty and that he would not interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigation. She called on the court to release Bobi Young on bail, given that he had abided by all legal requirements in his previous cases.

Bobi Young’s sureties included his friends, Ian Lwanga and Ivan Ssegujja, who both appeared in court to vouch for his reliability and promise that he would attend all future court sessions. Malende requested the court to consider the sureties as substantial and sufficient for the bail application to proceed.

This is the third time Bobi Young has appeared before the General Court Martial in connection with similar charges. He is currently on bail for two other cases. However, despite his previous release on bail, this case will be decided separately. The GCM chairman, Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe, decided to adjourn the hearing until October 22, 2024, giving time for the prosecution to respond to the bail application.

The prosecution, led by Col. Raphael Mugisha and Captain Gift Mubehamwe, will use this period to assess the application and provide their position on whether bail should be granted. The prosecution’s case centers on the seriousness of the alleged offense, which involves a breach of military protocol and unauthorized possession of defense equipment.

Ugandan law treats military insignia and defense stores as sensitive items, and unauthorized individuals caught in possession of such items can face significant penalties. In this case, the court will have to weigh Bobi Young’s plea for bail against the nature of the charges.

The case has attracted attention due to Bobi Young’s close association with Robert Kyagulanyi, the opposition leader who has faced frequent clashes with authorities.

Table: Key Details of Bobi Young’s Case