The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mbarara City has declined bail for 36 of the 38 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters arrested on November 7, 2025, when security forces intercepted the party’s presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, en route to a campaign rally in Bwizibwera, Mbarara District.
Presiding Grade One Magistrate Alex Baguma cited the accused’s lack of identification documents, a requirement under bail guidelines, as the reason for denying their release. The suspects have been on remand for over a month.
Two of their co-accused, who had been nominated as NUP candidates in Rwampara District, were recently released under circumstances described as “unclear,” reportedly after renouncing the opposition party and pledging allegiance to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Reacting to the decision, Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, tweeted: “Only those who ‘denounced’ me and @NUP_Ug were released suspiciously. The rest have been repeatedly denied bail. A judiciary under capture. #FreeUgandaNow.”
In a separate case, the Kanyanya-Kawempe Chief Magistrate has, for the third time, denied bail to 10 other remanded NUP supporters. The magistrate cited concerns that the group could interfere with state witnesses or ongoing investigations.
Among those affected are NUP spokesperson Alex Waisswa Mufumbiro, Edward Sebuufu (aka Eddie Mutwe), Achileo Kivumbi, and Saudah Madaada. The group will spend the festive season in Luzira Prison and is scheduled to return to court on January 7, 2026.
Kyagulanyi condemned the decision, posting: “Stinking injustice! WE SHALL OVERCOME! #FreeUgandaNow.”
The continued detention of opposition supporters ahead of the 2026 general elections has drawn criticism from political analysts and civil society, who warn that such measures may deepen political tensions in the run-up to the polls.
