Court Sets Date to Hear NUP Supporters’ Case in Mbarara

During the appearance of the accused to hear the ruling of their Bail Application, the accused heard in court the state attorney Rebbecca Akuria submit that state was ready to begin their trial.

Court

The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Mbarara City has set a date to begin the hearing of the case against the 36 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who were arrested over two months ago.

These were arrested during Robert Kyagulanyi’s campaign in Mbarara district on the 7th of November 2025 and were subsquetly charged with obstructing a police officer on duty.

During the appearance of the accused to hear the ruling of their Bail Application, the accused heard in court the state attorney Rebbecca Akuria submit that state was ready to begin their trial.

“Your worship, state is ready to begin the trial of the suspects, since inquiries are done, and I have two witnesses to present here in court”.

However, the accused through their lawyers led by Allan Musasire of Katambeko advocates objected to the commencement, arguing that the state attorney refused to extract a court order to provide them with prosecution statements and evidence the state intends to use in Court.

The Acting Chief Magistrate Alex Baguma ordered the state attorney to immediately disclose to the counsels for the accused persons any information they intend to use in the prosecution of the case so that they get ready to proceed with the hearing.

The Magistrate also ordered the Officer in Charge of the Women’s Prison to take accused Number Five Ingrid Akajurira to a health facility and file a report of her condition to court within two days.

“To ensure order remains in the trial of these accused persons, I do order as follows, the DPP is directed to disclose to counsel for the accused persons, that is Lead Counsel Alan Musrasire before closure of business today, that is 5pm, and to the OC prisons, Mbarara Women Prisons, shall ensure that the accused person gets medical attention in the government facility and file a report about her medical condition within two days from the date here on,” the Magistrate ordered.

The orders followed complaint from the Lawyers of the accused that the state Attorney and the officer in Prisons had refused to extract the court order it gave in the last appearance of the accused persons.

Court had ordered both state attorney to provide the defence lawyers with information to use in the case while the OC prisons was ordered to present a medical report on the health of accused five.

He said that failure to enforce or disregard court orders in accordance with the law consequences will follow.

Magistrate Baguma set the 29th January 2026 at 11:00am for the commencement of hearing of this matter.

The accused persons are Namazzi Hajara, Augustine Matsiko, Brenda Kamperu, Ingrid Akanjurira, Daphine Nabimanya, Shabiba Nalubega, Meira Karungi Atwooki, Zawadi Nabukeera, Mutoni Wmaana, Rose Asingwire, Peace Kyomuhangi, Sarah Tayebwa, Dismus Ndamiye, Arnold Mugasira, Jean Akorekwa Muyambi, Ben Byamukama, Ronah Atuhaire, Shanitah Karungi, Paskali Ayesigamukama, Zadoki Ahereza, Fred Akandwanaho, Lauben Nimumanya, David Nuwahereza, Maria Gorret Alimpa, Aisha Nabukenya Lubenga, Hassan Musasizi, Enock Aine, Dirisa Kibirige, Prince Tugumisirize, Emmanuel Kihembo, Moreen Mugide, Foustin Wanikina, Joshua Elwelu, Richard Nuwamanya, Moses Arinaitwe, Lyton Barekye Agaba, and Gordon Ssebagala.