Kawempe Court Denies Bail to 10 NUP Members

The Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s Court has refused bail to 10 members of the National Unity Platform (NUP), including Edward Ssebuufu (popularly known as Eddie Mutwe), Achileo Kivumbi, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Doreen Kaija, and Sauda Madada.

The accused are facing charges of unlawful drilling, conspiracy to commit a felony, and related offences. Chief Magistrate Damalie Agumasiimwe ruled that granting bail could compromise ongoing investigations.

Key points from the ruling:

• Most sureties presented were deemed weak or insubstantial, failing the standard of “substantial sureties” under Ugandan law, which requires individuals of stable occupation, known residence, and recognized integrity.
• Eddie Mutwe and Achileo Kivumbi’s sureties were too young to guarantee compliance with bail conditions.
• Doreen Kaija had one surety that did not qualify.
• Sauda Madada’s sureties were deemed insubstantial.
• Mufumbiro’s sureties included former Nakawa Mayor Ronald Balimwezo, but the magistrate ruled that his relationship with the accused was not sufficiently close. Only Mufumbiro’s father and wife qualified as substantial.
• Some other co-accused, such as Calvin Tasi and Tonny Kaweesi, had sureties found substantial.
• The magistrate expressed concern that most sureties were fellow NUP leaders, increasing the risk of witness interference, since many potential witnesses are also affiliated with the party.

Defence lawyers, led by Samuel Muyizzi, argued that the ruling was unjust and indicated plans to appeal. State prosecutors requested one month to conclude ongoing investigations.

The case has been adjourned to October 24, 2025.