Politics 7 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
High Court Grants Bail to Bobi Wine's Bodyguards in Lwengo Assault Case
Four civilian bodyguards of opposition figure Robert Kyagulanyi have been granted bail by the High Court in Masaka following their arrest for an alleged assault on journalists. However, two of the individuals, Eddie Mutwe and Achilleo Kivumbi, will remain in custody due to separate pending charges. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/eddie-mutwe-three-others-granted-bail-in-lwengo-assault-case-5623360
The High Court in Masaka has granted cash bail amounting to Shs5 million to four civilian bodyguards of National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine. The individuals, identified as Edward Ssebuufu (Eddie Mutwe), Achilleo Kivumbi, Mugumya Gaddafi, and Grace Wakabi (Smart), were arrested and charged with aggravated robbery, assault, and simple robbery.
The charges stem from an alleged incident on May 18, 2024, in Lwengo District, where the bodyguards are accused of attacking two journalists during a funeral service. The prosecution had maintained that they were ready to proceed with the trial, leading to the suspects’ prolonged detention.
Presiding Judge Victoria Nakintu Katamba ordered that each suspect’s sureties execute non-cash bail bonds valued at Shs50 million. Prominent political figures and community leaders, including Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu and Florence Namayanja, stood as sureties for the accused.
Despite the bail grant, only Grace Wakabi and Mugumya Gaddafi are expected to be released immediately after fulfilling the court’s conditions, which include submitting their passports. Eddie Mutwe and Achilleo Kivumbi will remain in detention as they have separate cases pending before the Kawempe Magistrate’s Court. Their legal team expressed hope that the reasoning in this bail decision might influence the outcome of those pending applications.
Defence counsel Samuel Muyizi stated his satisfaction with the court’s recognition of the suspects’ right to a speedy trial, noting that over 13 months had passed since their initial bail denial. “We are happy today that the bail application… has been granted,” Muyizi told journalists. He added that efforts are underway to secure the release of Mutwe and Kivumbi through higher courts regarding their other charges.