There were emotional scenes at the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Wandegeya on Thursday after National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for Central Uganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, finally secured bail in the terrorism case against him. Justice Susan Okalany granted Kivumbi a cash bail of Shs10 million, while 17 of his co-accused […]
There were emotional scenes at the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Wandegeya on Thursday after National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for Central Uganda, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, finally secured bail in the terrorism case against him.
Justice Susan Okalany granted Kivumbi a cash bail of Shs10 million, while 17 of his co-accused were each released on a cash bail of Shs1 million.
However, the judge ordered all those released not to leave Uganda without first informing the court.
Not everyone walked to freedom. Six of the accused were sent back to prison after court ruled that the people presented as their sureties did not meet the required legal standard. Their lawyers are expected to return with fresh sureties in another attempt to secure their release.
Kivumbi and his co-accused have been on remand since January after they were arrested during a security operation at his home in Butambala District. The operation reportedly left more than seven people dead, and the group was later charged with terrorism.
The accused applied for bail in May, arguing that they had fulfilled all the legal requirements for temporary release as they await trial.
Outside court, jubilant supporters cheered, hugged one another and praised the ruling as Kivumbi and the other released suspects prepared to leave custody after months behind bars.
Although the decision brings temporary freedom to Kivumbi and 17 others, the terrorism case is far from over. The accused will still return to court for trial and must strictly comply with all the bail conditions imposed by the court.
Attention now turns to the six co-accused still on remand, whose renewed bail applications are expected to be heard after their lawyers present acceptable sureties.
