MBARARA.At least 95 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) have been charged in various courts across Uganda following arrests during campaign activities led by the party’s presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
The accused face multiple counts, including obstructing police officers, robbery, malicious damage to property, and several traffic offences such as driving without a licence, riding without helmets, and operating vehicles without insurance.
Mbarara remands 43 supporters
In Mbarara City, 43 supporters appeared before Grade One Magistrate Esther Bagala on Tuesday and were remanded until November 19. They were among 85 people arrested on November 7 along the Mbarara–Ibanda road while accompanying Kyagulanyi to a rally in Bwizibwera ,Mbarara District .
Prosecution told court that 38 of the accused obstructed Mbarara District Police Commander Kenneth Kabwigo from performing his duties, while five others faced traffic-related charges. All 38 denied the charges and applied for bail through their lawyers led by Kampala Woman MP Shamim Malende.
Magistrate Bagala declined immediate bail, saying: “Whereas I know the accused persons have personal liberty, this court should be balanced to the prevailing circumstances.” The matter was adjourned to November 19 to allow time for preparation of bail applications.
Five others — Onesmas Kasirye, Moses Mugabi, Godius Mwesigwa, Magembe Kasimu, and Adrian Taremwa — were charged with driving without licences, carrying passengers without permits, and operating uninsured vehicles. Four pleaded guilty, while Mwesigwa denied the charges.
State Prosecutor Rebecca Akulia said investigations were complete and sought a hearing date.
Defence lawyer Allan Musasire pleaded for leniency, describing Taremwa as a first-time offender “who did not waste the court’s time and deserves a chance to reform.”
Magistrate Bagala remanded the group until November 14 for sentencing.
Nine others remanded in Lira
At Lira Chief Magistrate’s Court, nine NUP supporters arrested in Alebtong District were further remanded to Lira Central Prison on charges of robbery and malicious damage to property.
Prosecution alleges that on October 28 at Obot Village, the group damaged a police car and stole a laptop, clothing, and 20 litres of diesel worth Shs1.89 million. The damaged vehicle, police said, was operating under a fake registration number.
Those remanded include Isma Bukenya, Liberty Lekuru, Mastulah Nakabuye, Laston Waisua, Hope Nasozi, Kagawa Saluman, Regan Kamulegeye, Jamacidi Twaha Kavuma, and Muzambiru Ggaayi. Three others — Steven Katamba, Aloysious Lubega, and Precious Paul Ssembusi — were released on bail after producing acceptable sureties.
Police statement
Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson Samson Kasasira confirmed the arrests, saying 85 people were detained in Mbarara and Kiruhura districts during Kyagulanyi’s campaign in Ankole.
“They face charges including traffic offences, assault, and obstruction, and have been transferred to the respective jurisdictions where the offences occurred,” Kasasira said.
“Three suspects were sent to Mubende, three to Kyankwanzi, five to Lyantonde, three to Mayuge, one to Kakumiro, two to Lira, 12 to Kiruhura, one to Kampala, and 50 remain in Mbarara.”
CHARGED
UNLAWFUL DRILLING
- Olivia Lutaaya
TRAFFIC OFFENCES - Adrian Taremwa
- Kasimu Mugambe
- Godius Mwesigwa
- Onesmas Kasirye
- Moses Mugabi
OBSTRUCTION - Namazzi Hajara
- Augustine Matsiko
- Brenda Kamperu
- Ingrid Akanjurira
- Daphine Nabimanya
- Shabiba Nalubega
- Meira Karungi Atwooki
- Zawadi Nabukeera
- Wimaana Mutoni
- Rose Asingwire
- Peace Kyomuhangi
- Sarah Tayebwa
- Dismus Ndamiye
- Arnold Mugasira
- Sarah Kiconco
- Jean Akorekwa Muyambi
- Ben Byamukama
- Ronah Atuhaire
- Shanitah Karungi
- Paskali Ayesigamukama
- Zadoki Ahereza
- Fred Akandwanaho
- Lauben Nimumanya
- David Nuwahereza
- Maria Gorret Alimpa
- Aisha Lubenga Nabukenya
- Hassan Musasizi
- Enock Aine
- Dirisa Kibirige (Charged)
- Prince Tugumisirize
- Emmanuel Kihembo
- Moreen Mugide
- Foustin Wanikina
- Joshua Elwelu
- Richard Nuwamanya
- Moses Arinaitwe
- Lyton Barekye Agaba
- Gordon Ssebagala
MALICIOUS DAMAGE AND ROBBERY - Precious Paul Ssembusi
- Isma Bukenya
- Liberty Lekuru
- Mastulah Nakabuye
- Laston Waisua
- Hope Nasozi
- Saluman Kagawa
- Regan Kamulegeye
- Steven Katamba
- Aloysious Lubega
- Jamacidi Twaha Kavuma
- Muzambiru Ggaayi