Kamuli Chief Magistrate’s court has granted bail to 10 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who were last week arrest while preparing for the visit of their party president Robert Kyagulanyi.
Kyagulanyi was slated to preside over a consultative meeting at Kananage primary school. However, the meeting was blocked by police, leading to a confrontation with NUP supporters. Police officers fired teargas and live bullets to disperse Kyagulanyi’s supporters.
Police officers arrested 13 supporters led by Juma Rahmah, NUP Central Uganda women coordinator, who had insisted on pitching camp at the grounds. They were later remanded to Kamuli prison on charges of inciting violence and disobedience of lawful orders.
On Wednesday, Kamuli chief magistrate, Aisha Nabukeera granted a cash bail of Shs 100,000 each, while, the 26 sureties were each bonded at a non-cash bail of Shs 5 million. Three supporters were however not granted bail because they lacked national identity cards.
But, their lawyer, Samuel Akalyamawa argued that the court had been informed that the three had lost their national identity cards. While appearing before the court for their bail applications, the accused persons said that they were brutally arrested and sustained serious injuries requiring urgent treatment.
Rashid Waibi, a citizen journalist who was streaming live the proceedings at Kananage primary school said that a teargas canister had been hurled at him causing injuries on his left pelvic area, and has never accessed any form of medical treatment.
Nabukeera granted bail to the accused persons because bail is their constitutional right and the offences against them are bailable. The case was adjourned to June 28th.
