Kalangala sex scam: German suspect granted bail

By Dismus Buregyeya

High Court in Masaka has granted bail to the Kalangala-based German national, Bernhard Glaser, who is facing charges of aggravated defilement.

However, Glaser was on Monday sent back to Masaka Prison after he failed to pay sh10m cash bail set by the court presided over by Justice Margaret Oguli.

Justice Oguli threatened to cancel Glaser’s bail after his lead counsel, Patrick Kasumba, pleaded with her to reduce the cash bail to lesser ammount.

“Do you want me to cancel the bail for your client,” Justice Oguli asked, responding to the plea to reduce on the amount.

Justice Oguli also set a noncash bail of sh5m for each of Glaser’s two sureties in case he absconds.

Kasumba said he only had sh4m in cash for the bail.

The two sureties for Glaser included; the Kalangala district chairperson, Willy Lugolobi and the former district chairperson, Daniel Kikoola.

The court rejected the third surety, Sula Nsubuga, on grounds that he was not substantial.

Justice Oguli granted the bail on grounds of the accused’s advanced age, poor health and lack of health facilities at the Masaka Prison.

Justice Oguli said court was convinced that Glaser was suffering from cancer, diabetes high blood pressure, asthma and respiratory related illnesses.

She said the court also considered the fact that Glaser was a resident of Mwena in Kalangala, where he had invested in the Ssese Humanitarian Organisation. Justice Oguli said objection raised by the prosecution was not convincing.

She said Glaser was entitled bail because bail is a constitution right for everybody.

The judge said Glaser will be required to report to court every fortnight. Justice Oguli said the case was awaiting committal to the High Court.