By Nicholas Banadda
Dr. Lina Zedriga, Deputy President of the National Unity Platform(NUP) for Northern Uganda, appeared at Gulu Chief Magistrate’s Court for bail hearing on charges of incitement of violence against NRM supporters.
Earlier in the court the state argued that Zedriga’s four sureties are unstable and she could interfere with investigations, while the defense maintained that no evidence was presented to support this claim.
However in the afternoon, Dr Zedriga, was granted bail by the Gulu Chief Magistrate’s Court on a cash bail of one million Shillings after appearing before Chief Magistrate Augustine Alule Koma. The court also bonded her four sureties at a non-cash bail of 10 million Shillings each. She is expected to return to court on March 24.
Earlier in the proceedings, State Prosecutor Patricia Edyedo objected to the sureties presented by the defence, arguing that they were not substantial. The proposed sureties were Kelly Komakech, Sicondo Okot Abok, Sr Florence Bernadette, and Fr Aquilino Acidri.
In his ruling, the presiding magistrate cited Article 23(6)(a) of the Constitution, noting that while every accused person has a right to apply for bail, its grant remains discretionary. He emphasized that such discretion must be exercised judiciously and without bias.
The magistrate also took into account Dr Zedriga’s advanced age and the absence of sufficient grounds to deny bail and accordingly granted the application.
Dr Zedriga facing charges of inciting violence allegedly committed in December 2025 in Omoro, Nwoya, Amuru and Gulu City in Northern Uganda. ends