By Spy Uganda
The general court martial has finally released Nubian Li, Eddy Mutwe and other 15 NUP associates on bail. This was the remaining group out of the 36 arrested from Kalangala and Masaka in December last year.
Those released this morning include Ali Bukeni alias Nubian Li, Edward Ssebuufu alias Eddie Mutwe, Hassan Ssemakula alias Abdul Souldier, Kenny Kyalimpa, Lukeman Mwijukye alias Kampala, Daniel Onywerot alias Dan Magic, Robert Kivumbi alias Mighty Family, Ibrahim Tamale, and Muzafuru Mwanje alias Main Gate.
The suspects are part of the 49 who were arrested on December 30, 2020 in Kalangala District, arraigned before the chief magistrate at Masaka in January 2021 where they were granted bail. However, they were re-arrested and detained at the Makindye Military backs for days before they were charged afresh and remanded to Kitalya prison.
Early this year, the army court chaired by Lt Gen. Andrew Gutti denied them bail on suspicion they would continue to incite violence if released on bail.
“The accused, if released on bail, will continue to incite violence,” said Gen Gutti before directing prosecution to speed up investigations into the case for the trial to begin.
The Court decision was based on the submissions by court prosecutor Capt Ambrose Baguma who said the suspects should not be granted bail because of “their violent conduct towards police officers, which is likely to continue if granted bail.”
However, they were today granted a UGX 20M non cash bail
While releasing them, the chairman of the court, Lt Gen Andrew Gutti, said he had found merit in their application after the State prosecutor did not object to their bail.
National Unity Platform Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi said while this is a sigh of relief, “we still have to press on in demanding for the release of all political prisoners held in different prisons across the country”.
However, Gen Gutti said those granted bail shouldn’t go beyond Kampala and Waksio districts without court’s permission. He further said they will be required to report to court after every two weeks.
