Four Bobi Wine Bodyguards Granted Bail in Masaka, Two Remain Detained

The Masaka High Court has granted bail to four bodyguards of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine. Senior resident judge Victoria Nakintu Katamba approved a Shs 5 million cash bail for each of the accused: Edward Ssebuwuufu (Eddie Mutwe), Achilleo Kivumbi, Grace Wakabi, and Gadhafi Mugumya. Their sureties are required to post a Shs 50 million non-cash bond.

The four have been on remand since May 2024, facing charges of aggravated robbery, malicious damage to property, and assault. These charges stem from an incident during the burial of a UK-based businessman in Lwengo district, where they allegedly assaulted a journalist and damaged equipment, including a video camera and several smartphones.

Lawyers representing the bodyguards argued for their release, citing prolonged detention without trial and the hardship their absence was causing their families, with one bodyguard’s mother being critically ill.

Despite the bail ruling, two of the bodyguards, Kivumbi and Ssebuwuufu, will remain in custody. This is due to a separate case involving charges of ‘unlawful drilling’ that is currently before the Kawempe High Court. The National Unity Platform has expressed concerns about the legality of their continued detention on these separate charges.

While Mugumya and Wakabi are expected to be released upon payment of their bail money, Kivumbi and Ssebuwuufu’s release is contingent on the resolution of the Kawempe case. The NUP has announced plans to launch a fundraising drive to cover the total bail requirements.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)