MASAKA
The High Court in Masaka has granted bail to four civilian bodyguards of National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, more than a year after they were remanded over allegations of robbery and assault.
Justice Victoria Nakintu on Wednesday ordered Edward Ssebuufu, alias Eddie Mutwe; Achileo Kivumbi; Robert Gadafi Mugumya; and Grace Wakabi, alias Smart, to pay Shs5 million each in cash bail.
The court further directed each of their sureties to provide non-cash security of Shs50 million.
The application was argued by a team of lawyers led by Samuel Muyizi. Journalists were not allowed inside the courtroom during the hearing.
NUP supporters who gathered at the court welcomed the decision, although the four remained in custody by late afternoon as efforts continued to raise the required cash.
Masaka MP Gonzaga Ssewungu called on supporters to contribute towards the bail, which requires Shs20 million for the four accused persons.
The case stems from an incident on May 18, 2024, at Manja Village in Kisekka Sub-county, Lwengo District, during the burial of businessman Pascal Ssekasamba.
The prosecution alleges that Ssebuufu, Kivumbi, Mugumya and Wakabi assaulted and robbed people at the funeral, including journalists who had gone to cover the event.
They are facing charges of aggravated robbery, simple robbery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The four have denied the accusations, while NUP has rejected the allegations against them.
An earlier bail application in the same case was dismissed in August 2025. The court said at the time that it was not satisfied that the accused persons would refrain from interfering with witnesses and directed that the case be fixed for trial.
Wednesday’s decision will not lead to the immediate release of Ssebuufu and Kivumbi because they are facing another case.
The two remain on remand over allegations of unlawful military-style drilling in a separate case before the magistrate’s court at Kanyanya in Kawempe Division.
The State alleges that they and other NUP members participated in an unauthorised assembly intended for military-style training. The accused deny the allegations, while NUP has described the case as trumped up.
Mugumya and Wakabi are expected to be released after paying the Shs5 million cash bail each and satisfying the remaining court conditions.
The Masaka case remains pending. The bail ruling does not determine the accused persons’ guilt, and they remain presumed innocent unless convicted.
