Nakawa Councillor Ssebuwufu Released on Bail After Over Two Months in Custody

Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court granted bail to Johnmary Ssebuwufu, a councillor for Nakawa I and supporter of the National Unity Platform (NUP). He had been detained for over two months on charges of inciting violence.

Ssebuwufu was picked up by security forces on January 14, 2026, shortly after the general elections. He appeared in court on February 6 following a period of incommunicado detention and was held at Luzira Prison while investigations proceeded.

His legal team, including Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa and Jude Byamukama, pushed repeatedly for bail. They argued his detention was unlawful without completed probes, stressing his constitutional rights, presumed innocence, and community roles as an elected official, church leader at St. Andrea Kaggwa Parish in Kigoowa, and NUP Electoral Commission member.

The defence highlighted his family responsibilities—married with seven children—and stable home in Kyanja, within the court’s jurisdiction. Sureties were provided to support the application.

Magistrate Sanula Namboozo approved a Shs 500,000 cash bail for Ssebuwufu, with sureties bound at Shs 5 million each. Conditions include surrendering his passport and submitting his National ID via ECCMIS, as it was reportedly lost during arrest. Failure to attend future hearings risks a Shs 10 million fine.

Prosecutor Mahatma Odongo noted ongoing police inquiries, prompting the court to urge faster investigations. The case is set for mention on April 7, 2026.

Ssebuwufu joins other NUP figures released on bail like vice presidents Lina Zedriga and Jolly Tukamushaba post-January elections. However, several remain detained, including Muwanga Kivumbi on terrorism charges and others like Eddie Mutwe, Olivia Lutaaya, and Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro linked to an alleged illegal parade.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)