Kampala – In a significant development for Uganda’s opposition, the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, finally granted bail to John Mary Ssebuwufu, a senior National Unity Platform (NUP) official, ending what his supporters describe as “illegal detention” since mid-January.
Ssebuwufu, who serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the NUP Election Management Committee and Lord Councillor for Nakawa Division, was arrested on January 14, 2026, following post-election activities. He was later charged with incitement to violence contrary to Section 79(1) of the Penal Code Act.
After multiple bail applications that were either denied or postponed, the court this morning approved his temporary release. Details of the bail terms include a cash component of UGX 500,000 and non-cash sureties, though exact conditions are still being confirmed by his legal team.
NUP officials and lawyers, including Joel Ssenyoni, expressed relief and gratitude to the defense team for persistently fighting the case. “We are grateful to our legal team for championing this cause to secure our comrade’s temporary freedom,” a party statement noted shortly after the ruling.
Ssebuwufu, aged around 50, had spent more than two months on remand, much of it at Luzira Prison, after being reportedly abducted and held incommunicado for several weeks before his formal arraignment in early February.
His case has drawn attention as part of a wave of arrests targeting NUP leaders and opposition figures in the wake of the recent general elections. Supporters continue to campaign under the hashtag #FreeAllPoliticalPrisoners, arguing that such detentions are meant to weaken the opposition ahead of future political processes.
While out on bail, Ssebuwufu must report back to court on the next scheduled mention date as the case proceeds to full trial.
Human rights observers and opposition voices have welcomed the decision but called for the speedy and fair resolution of all similar cases involving political detainees.
Pearl News Network will continue monitoring developments and bring you updates on this and related stories.
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