Bushenyi District NUP registrar granted bail
Ms. Pathy Mbabazi, the Bushenyi District National Unity Platform (NUP) registrar was granted bail on Wednesday March 19 by the Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Bushenyi following her arrest on charges of computer misuse. Mbabazi was detained on April 3, in Katungu Cell, Ward 3, Ishaka Division for allegedly making hate speech against President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba who also serves as the Chief of Defence Forces.
Presiding magistrate Emmanuel Niyokwizera stated that Mbabazi had no prior criminal record which contributed to the court’s decision to grant her bail. After considering the submissions from both the defense and the prosecution, Niyokwizera ruled in favor of bail, setting the amount at Ugx100,000. Additionally, each of the sureties provided by the accused was required to sign for Ugx 5,000,000 although this was not a cash bail.
The court has scheduled Mbabazi’s next appearance for April 16, 2025. Niyokwizera assured that the bail money would be refunded after the resolution of the case.
Joshua Tumukunde, the lead defense lawyer from Mugisha Arnold & Company Advocates argued that Mbabazi is a first-time offender and a single mother, advocating for her release.
In response to the ruling, Godfrey Bainomugisha, the NUP District chairman, expressed satisfaction stating that the court’s decision demonstrated that justice prevails even in controversial matters. Bainomugisha emphasized that such minor issues should not provoke anger from the president and his family.
The case has attracted significant attention, reflecting ongoing tensions in the political landscape of Uganda.
