Ezrak Kashumbusha.
KAMAPALA, February 20, 2024| Yesterday February 21, journalists were denied access to the Makindye Court Martial, where the bail hearing of 28 members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) was scheduled to take place. The court, presided over by Brigadier General Freeman Mugabi, offered no explanation for rejecting journalists’ requests to cover the proceedings.
Among the accused are prominent NUP supporters, including Yasin Ssekitoleko, alias Machete, Robert Christopher Rugumayo, Ronald Mayiga, Patrick Meade, Simon Kijambo, Olivia Lutaya, Richard Nyombi, Ronald Kijambo, Sharif Kalenzi, Joseph Muwonge, Mesach Kiwanuka, Abdalla Kintu, Umar Emma Kato, Musa Kavuma, Ibrahim Wandera, Asbert Nagwere, Steven Musakulu, Jimmy Galukande, Paul Muwanguzi, Kenneth Kamanya, Davis Mafabi, Abdallah Hakim Gibusiwa, Livingstone Katushabe Kigozi, Swaibu Katabi, Obalai Siraj Mudebo, Joseph Muganza, and Stanley Lwanga.
The charges against the accused stem from alleged incidents between November 2020 and May 12, 2021, in various areas of Kampala, including Kireka, Nakulabye, Kawempe, Natete, and Kampala Central. They are accused of being found in possession of 13 pieces of explosive devices, which are typically monopolized by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Despite this being their third attempt to secure bail, the NUP supporters were once again denied release. Several Members of Parliament, led by Leader of the Opposition Joel Senyonyi, had offered themselves as sureties. However, their offers were deemed unsubstantial by the military Court Martial, leading to the denial of bail.
