KAMPALA – A Ugandan court on Friday granted bail to 22 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) opposition party, who were arrested on March 3 for allegedly causing public nuisance, obstructing traffic, and damaging property.
The Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court released the supporters, including Kyadondo East legislator Muwada Nkunyingi, on a non-cash bail of 2 million Ugandan shillings (approximately $550 USD) each.
Grade One Magistrate William Muwonge cited the presumption of innocence and the poor condition of the accused as reasons for granting bail. “Following the nature of the case, the victims are being charged; the presumption of innocence outweighs all the concerns raised by the State,” Muwonge said.
During the court proceedings, two of the accused, Hellen Namukwaya and Olivia Nalweyiso, were rushed to the hospital after experiencing health complications.
Lead defence lawyer Benjamin Katana alleged that many of the accused were tortured during their arrest. “Namukwaya was kicked, damaging her caesarean healing scars, while Nalweyiso’s two bones in her back were dislocated due to heavy battering by security officers,” Katana said.
The accused were arrested near the NUP party headquarters in Kampala as they prepared to join a campaign rally for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat by-election.
