Court denies Kasese NUP members bail

Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The High Court sitting in Kasese district has rejected the bail application of five National Unity Platform-NUP supporters facing treason charges. They are Bryan Basisa, the NUP Kasese district chairperson, Geoffrey Bwambale, the NUP coordinator for Bundibugyo, Atanazio Isande from Ntoroko district, Isaac Mumbere, the former NUP candidate for Nyamwamba division in Kasese, and Oniz Kule, a boda boda rider from Hima town.

Security picked up the suspects a fortnight ago from Kilembe quarters where they were reportedly conducting a meeting according to police. All the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and asked the court to grant them bail.

On Tuesday, Justice Okumu Jude Muwone said that whereas all the five had presented substantial sureties, the court could not grant them bail because the State Attorney, Geoffrey Owundo was absent. He said that it was only legally fair to allow the state to respond to the bail application before the court makes a ruling.

He adjourned the hearing to Thursday this week. In their application, the accused who are on remand in different prisons in Kasese indicated to the court that they have young families and ailing parents to take care of. The accused’s lawyer, Emmanuel Kironde of Kikomeko and Co Advocates also told the court that two of the accused are sick and may not access the necessary treatment in prison. Kirondo told URN shortly after the adjournment that he is hopeful his clients will make bail in the next sitting since they have met all the requirements.

The appearance of the accused persons seems to have given relief to their families and friends who earlier on called for justice, saying that they did not know their whereabouts and the charges slapped against them.

Mbandi Amuza, a close friend of the suspects said their appearance has cleared speculation that they were charged and imprisoned outside the district.

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URN