Eight NUP supporters in Masaka granted bail

Masaka, Uganda |  THE INDEPENDENT |  The Masaka Chief Magistrate has granted bail to eight National Unity Platform-NUP supporters.

The accused persons that all pleaded not guilty to the charges appeared before Masaka Chief Magistrate Charles Yeteise on Friday.

Prosecution led by Shebah Byakutagga told the court that the investigation into the case against the accused persons was complete and they were ready to proceed. 

Majeran Kazibwe, then suspects’ lawyer told the court that they had instructions to apply for bail for the accused persons and presented eight sureties. 

Kazibwe asked the court to grant the accused persons a non-cash bail because most of the accused persons are unemployed. 

The prosecution did not object the bail application but asked the magistrate to give stringent measures to the accused persons to deter them from taking part in any demonstration.

The supporters were arrested on Wednesday and charged with doing an act that is likely to cause the spread of an infectious disease. 

The prosecution alleges that the suspects took part in a demonstration and a procession without following the ministry of health guidelines to control the spread of coronavirus disease-COVID-19.

Yeteisi granted each of the suspects a cash bail of 200,000 Shillings and each of their sureties non-cash bail of 500,000 Shillings.  

He warned the accused persons against taking part in protests and demonstrations saying that arresting them in any demonstration case will lead to cancellation of their bail. 

The case has been adjourned to December 15th, 2020 when the suspects are expected to reappear in court for further hearing of the case. 

Meanwhile, Masaka Grade one Magistrate Grace Wakoli has remanded 15 NUP supporters to Masaka main prison.  

The accused persons through their lawyer Abdullah Maroof had applied for bail but the court adjourned the matter to Monday when it is expected to give its ruling on the bail application.

In Moroto, NUP Candidate for Moroto District Woman Member of Parliament, Zainab Angela Ali was released on police bond. She was arrested on Thursday and charged with inciting violence and organizing an unlawful demonstration. 

She was given bond after NUP legal representatives for NUP Karamoja Chapter visited her at Moroto Police Station on Friday.  

According to the police, Zainab was accused of organizing a street protest calling for the release of NUP presidential candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi.

********

URN