Eddie Mutwe, NUP Supporters Granted Bail in Masaka

The Masaka High Court has approved a bail application for four National Unity Platform (NUP) members, including the prominent figure Edward Ssebuufu, widely known as Eddie Mutwe. Mutwe, who serves as party leader Robert Kyagulanyi’s bodyguard, along with Achileo Kivumbi, Robert Gadafi Mugumya, and Grace Wakabi, will be released pending their trial after spending more than a year in detention.

Justice Victoria Nakintu presided over the bail hearing on Wednesday. The legal team for the accused, headed by Samuel Muyizi, successfully argued for their release. Each of the four individuals has been granted cash bail set at Shs5 million.

Their release was met with enthusiasm by NUP supporters gathered outside the Masaka court premises. The charges stem from an incident on May 18, 2024, in Kisekka Sub-county, Lwengo District, where the group allegedly committed aggravated robbery, simple robbery, and assault causing actual bodily harm.

Prosecutors claim the accused assaulted and robbed individuals, including journalists covering the burial of businessman Pascal Ssekasamba. Specifically, one journalist reportedly had their mobile phone and other personal items stolen. The accused have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Despite the bail grant, Mutwe and Kivumbi may not be immediately released from custody. They are also facing charges in a separate case related to alleged unlawful military-style drills conducted at the NUP headquarters. The state contends this was an unauthorized assembly intended for military training, an accusation both the accused and the NUP deny.

Arrangements are underway to gather the Shs5 million cash bail for each of the four individuals. This bail decision follows a previous rejection of their application by the High Court in August 2025, which cited the gravity of the charges and prosecution concerns at the time.

This article is based on information from Nile Post.