KAMPALA.There was panic at Kawempe Chief Magistrates Court on Tuesday after National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter Saudah Madaada collapsed and vomited blood while being held in the court’s holding cells.
Madaada, alongside several other NUP supporters and leaders—including Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Eddie Mutwe, Doreen Kaija, Tasi Calvin (Bobi Giant), Achileo Kivumbi, and Olivia Lutaaya—had appeared for a hearing of their bail application.
The group had just been placed in the court holding cells awaiting the start of the session when Madaada suddenly developed a severe health complication. Witnesses say she collapsed and appeared extremely weak.
Prison officers assisted her out of the cell and towards an ambulance, but her condition worsened as she began vomiting blood, highlighting the seriousness of the medical emergency. She was swiftly evacuated to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.
All the accused persons are facing charges related to alleged unlawful military drills, which prosecutors claim were conducted during celebrations marking NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi’s birthday in February 2025. According to the charge sheet , the group reportedly formed parades and sang party songs in what authorities describe as drill-like formations.
Court has set December 5 for the ruling on mandatory bail for all the accused person , who have been on remand for over 60 days.
The court presided over by Grade One Magistrate Damalie Agumasiimwe heard arguments from both sides on Tuesday, with the prosecution and defence presenting their cases.
Prosecution led by resident chief state attorney Sharon Nambuya and Bruce Twongirwe informed court that they were ready to proceed with the case.
“We are ready to proceed as we have already disclosed,” Nambuya said.
However, defence lawyers led by Samuel Muyiizi argued that the accused persons had exceeded the constitutional remand period and were entitled to mandatory bail.
“The accused have already clocked more than 60 days on remand except the eleventh accused person Olivia Lutaaya. We are applying for mandatory bail,” Mr Muyiizi told the court.
The State objected, arguing that the accused who was absent could not apply for bail.
“It would be prejudicial for the accused who is not in court to apply,” prosecutors argued.
However, Magistrate Agumasiimwe clarified that the constitutional threshold had been met.
“The fact is that the accused have clocked the mandatory period without trial. They can apply for bail,” she ruled.
Defence lawyer Alex Luganda laid out the specific remand periods for each accused, citing the Constitution in support of their application for bail.
“A1 and A2 (Mr Edward Ssebufu alias Eddie Mutwe, Mr Kivumbi Achileo) have been on remand for 90 days. A3 to A7 (Mr Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Mr Edwin Sserunkuma alias Eddy King Kabejja, Mr Lukenge Sharif, and Mr Yasin Nyanzi and Mr Tonny Kawesi, have been on remand for 70 days, A8 and A9 (Mr Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro and Doreen Kaija) for 68 days, and A10 has been on remand for 68 days,” he said.
Luganda cited Article 23(6) of the Constitution, which states that where a person is on remand for a triable-by-magistrate offense for a period exceeding 60 days, any magistrate before whom such a person appears is commanded to release such an accused on such conditions as the court may deem fit.
But Ms Nambuya insisted that mandatory bail was not automatic.
“The right to apply is not a guarantee to grant,” she argued, urging the court to consider public safety, victims’ rights, and the nature of the offence.
“Unlawful drilling is a security-related offense and their activities cause threats to the public,” Ms Nambuya said, adding that several accused hold senior positions in NUP.
“They can interfere with prosecution witnesses since we have already disclosed to the defence.”
She further warned of the political climate. “This is a political season and there is need to take communities in serious consideration and protect them from unlawful activities,” the State submitted.
The prosecution also noted that applicants must still satisfy statutory requirements, including substantial sureties and proof of fixed places of abode. “Mandatory bail is not mandatory as the court must exercise its discretion,” they concluded, insisting there had been no trial delays. “We even had witnesses in court.”
The State also downplayed health-related concerns, stating that the prison facilities have full medical services. “The suspects’ medical condition can be handled well in prison,” they said.