The Kawempe Chief Magistrate's Court has on 3 October, 2025 rejected bail for Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro and 10 other National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders and supporters. The accused were arrested for allegedly conducting unlawful military exercises on February 12, 2025 at the NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule, Kawempe Division, without authorization from the minister of internal affairs.
Mufumbiro and Madaada are further accused of conspiring to commit a felony in a separate court.
Chief Magistrate Damalie Agumansiimwe ruled against the accused stating that they failed to meet legal requirements for temporary release. The ruling was delivered online via a zoom link in a packed court room. Neither the Chief magistrate nor the accused NUP members and supporters were physically present in court.
While the chief magistrate acknowledged that the accused have a constitutional right to bail, she insisted that it’s not a guarantee.
"Granting bail is discretionary and depends on whether the applicants have satisfied court that they will abide by the conditions imposed and not interfere with the ongoing investigations," she said.
The prosecution led by chief state attorney, Sharon Sarah Nambuya argued against the bail application, citing the likelihood of interference, which could potentially frustrate police investigations. She further probed the reliability and suitability of sureties presented, observing that some sureties were younger than the accused.
"The sureties are not substantial enough to compel the appearance of the accused before court," she submitted.
