By Peter Luzinda
MASAKA
Four civilian bodyguards of National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi have been granted bail by the High Court in Masaka, more than a year after they were remanded over alleged robbery and assault.
Justice Victoria Nakintu on Wednesday granted each of the four accused persons cash bail of Shs5 million.
The beneficiaries are Edward Ssebuufu, alias Eddie Mutwe; Achileo Kivumbi; Robert Gadafi Mugumya; and Grace Wakabi, alias Smart.
The court also directed each accused person to provide sureties who will give non-cash security of Shs50 million.
The bail application was argued by lawyers led by Samuel Muyizi. Journalists were not allowed into the courtroom during the proceedings.
NUP supporters who had gathered at the court welcomed the ruling. However, the four had not been released by late afternoon as efforts were still being made to raise the required Shs20 million.
Masaka MP Gonzaga Ssewungu appealed to supporters to contribute towards the bail for the four accused persons.
The case against them relates to 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 the four assaulted and robbed people at the funeral, including journalists who had gone to cover the event.
They are charged with aggravated robbery, simple robbery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The accused persons have denied the charges, while NUP has also rejected the allegations.
Their earlier attempt to obtain bail was unsuccessful. In August 2025, the court dismissed their application, saying it was not satisfied that they would not interfere with witnesses, and directed that the case proceed to trial.
The latest ruling will not immediately secure the release of Ssebuufu and Kivumbi because they are also facing a separate case.
The two remain on remand in a case before the magistrate’s court at Kanyanya in Kawempe Division, where they are accused of participating in an unauthorised assembly allegedly organised for military-style training.
They deny the allegations, while NUP has described the case as trumped up.
Mugumya and Wakabi are expected to be released once they pay the Shs5 million cash bail each and meet the remaining court conditions.
The Masaka case remains before court. The bail ruling does not amount to an acquittal, and the accused persons remain presumed innocent unless convicted.
