Why Kyagulanyi's bodyguards were denied bail again

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Edward Ssebuufu (aka Eddie Mutwe) and Achileo Kivumbi had hoped that, this time around, they would taste freedom courtesy of bail.

But for a second time, the private bodyguards of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader and presidential flagbearer Robert Kyagulanyi were denied bail by the court.

They had made a case for being granted mandatory bail, pointing to having spent 60 days on remand inside Luzira Prison in Kampala without their trial commencing.

Ssebuufu and Kivumbi are on remand on charges relating to an 'unlawful' military parade they were part of, held at the NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule in February this year.

The other NUP members also on remand for the same offence are the party's spokesperson, Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Calvin Tasi (aka Bobi Giant), Edwin Sserunkuuma (aka Eddie King Kabenja), Sharif Lukenge, Yasin Nyanzi, Tonny Kaweesi, and Saudah Madaada.

They were back in court on Wednesday (October 29) to learn the verdict of their bail application.

Kawempe Grade Two Magistrate Steven Waidhuuba rejected their plea on the grounds that his court lacks jurisdiction to hear and determine their serious offences relating to military drilling, which attract a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment upon conviction.

Waidhuuba explained that even though the accused have a constitutional right to apply for mandatory bail, they should do so before a competent court.

He advised them to make the same application for bail before the trial Grade One Magistrate, Damalie Agumaasiimwe, who is reportedly on official leave and is expected to resume work on November 18.

Consequently, the group was sent back on remand until that date, as police inquiries continue.

Viral footage in February this year appeared to show several NUP supporters clad in red-like military decorated attire on a parade at the opposition party's headquarters in Uganda's capital.

At the time, Kyagulanyi was celebrating his 42nd birthday and was accompanied by his wife, Barbie Itungo, for the inspection of the parade. 

After the video went viral, the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) warned NUP supporters against engaging in military-like activities, saying whoever participated in the same would be prosecuted.

In court, the prosecutors have argued that the parade, appearing to have been commanded by Kyagulanyi's brother Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, was unlawful because the party did not get permission from the line minister.

Nyanzi was arrested and interrogated over the matter. Following his release, he disclosed that he had mentioned the names of some of the people who had participated in the parade.