Zedriga's family relieved as NUP's northern leader out on bail

_______________

After spending a month on prison remand, Lina Zedriga Waru, the National Unity Platform's deputy vice-president for northern Uganda, is now out on bail.

She tasted temporary freedom on Tuesday after Gulu Chief Magistrate's Court, presided over by Magistrate Augustine Alule Koma, granted her bail.

The court granted her a cash bail of sh1m while her four sureties were each bonded sh10m non-cash.

The sureties presented by the NUP legal team and Zedriga’s family are:

▪️ Kelly Komakech, a civil servant at Gulu City Council and former LC3 chairperson of Pece Division

▪️ Sekondo Okot Abok, a teacher and NUP chairperson for Omoro district

▪️ Rev. Fr. Aquilino Acidri

▪️ Rev. Sr. Florence Bernadette Drijaru of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

In his ruling, Magistrate Koma found that all the sureties were substantial, dismissing the prosecution’s objection. 

The court emphasised that the bail was granted as a constitutional right and should not be interpreted as an acquittal. The case was adjourned until March 24 for mention, and Zedriga was ordered to report to court as required.

Rubongoya inside court room. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)

Charges

According to court documents, Zedriga is charged under the Penal Code Act for allegedly inciting violence in December 2025 in Gulu city and the districts of Amuru, Omoro, and Nwoya. 

The state alleges that her remarks incited attacks against supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) based on their political affiliation.

Zedriga's five-strong legal team includes Salim Haddad (NUP's head of Legal affairs), Jonathan Elotu, Beatrice Babra Angufiru from the Uganda Law Society, Kizza Oscar (volunteer lawyer) and William Jefferson Okwera. 

Patricia Edyedo is leading the prosecutors. 

The defence team expressed concern that the prosecution had not disclosed the details of the complaint, arguing that the state should provide full disclosure to enable adequate preparation for the defence.

Zedriga’s daughter, Jennifer Ondia, expressed relief following her mother’s release, describing the period of her absence as one of fear and anxiety for the family.

Rev. Sr. Drijaru, one of the sureties, said she frequently visited the family to provide emotional support when Zedriga was behind bars. 

She said the NUP northern leader's dependent children had not returned to school at the start of the first term because Zedriga, who pays their tuition fees, was away.