Four bodyguards attached to National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Bobi Wine have been granted cash bail of Shs20 million in the ongoing aggravated robbery case before the Masaka court.
The beneficiaries are Eddie Mutwe, Gadafi Mugumya, Achileo Kivumbi and Wakabi Grace Smart.
However, the bail ruling does not mean all four will immediately walk out of prison.
NUP lawyer Samuel Muyizzi has clarified that Mutwe and Kivumbi will remain in custody despite the Masaka court granting them bail, because they have another pending bail matter before the High Court.
Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, Muyizzi explained that the two are still affected by an earlier bail denial at Kawempe Magistrates Court in Kanyanya, which their lawyers are challenging before the High Court.
“Eddie Mutwe and Achileo Kivumbi cannot be released now. There will be a release order as far as this matter is concerned, but they remain in prison pending the hearing of their bail application for review of the bail that was denied in Kawempe, Kanyanya,” Muyizzi said.
According to the lawyer, the relevant files are already before the High Court, and the legal team hopes the Masaka court’s decision could strengthen their case for bail.
“Those files are before the High Court, but we believe the reason behind this matter may persuade those of Kampala to follow suit,” he added.
Muyizzi said the defence team would now concentrate on completing the necessary procedures to secure the release of the suspects who are eligible to leave prison, while simultaneously pursuing legal avenues for Mutwe and Kivumbi.
“We shall not volunteer much as of now because we have a duty to ensure that these people leave today, and that those still in prison, we work tooth and nail to see that the High Court follows suit,” he said.
The development comes as the NUP legal team continues to fight for the release of several of the party’s supporters and associates facing different criminal charges across the country.
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