Bobi Wine bodyguards further remanded over ‘military parade’

Five supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), mostly Bobi Wine aka Robert Kyagulanyi’s bodyguards, have been charged and remanded to Luzira Prison on allegations of unlawful drilling, after videos circulated showing them conducting a military-style parade.

The accused, Tasi Calvin alias Bobi Giant, Edwin Serunkuuma alias Eddie King Kabenja, Sharif Lukenge, Yasin Nyanzi, and Tonny Kaweesi, had spent nearly two weeks in police custody before being brought to court on Monday under heavy security.

They were transported in police patrol trucks, commonly known as “drones,” while roads leading to the court were sealed off. Access to the courtroom was tightly restricted, with only accredited individuals allowed entry.

The five now join Edward Sebuufu alias Eddie Mutwe and Achileo Kivumbi, who had earlier been charged with the same offence before Kawempe Chief Magistrate’s court. Prosecutors allege that on February 12, 2025, at the NUP offices in Makerere-Kavule, Wandegeya, Kawempe Division, the seven accused and others still at large gathered without ministerial permission and engaged in military-style training.

The prosecution further contends that the accused conspired with others to commit a felony, in violation of Sections 45(1)(b) and 363 of the Penal Code Act, which prohibit unlawful drilling and conspiracy to commit felonies.

All the accused pleaded not guilty and applied for bail, presenting relatives and friends as sureties. Their legal team, comprising Kakuru Tumusiime, Shamim Malende, Jonathan Erotu, Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, and Samuel Muyizzi Mulindwa argued that the charges were bailable and that the sureties were substantial.

However, court heard that some proposed sureties, including NUP deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, were blocked from accessing the court premises. Mufumbiro was later arrested and whisked away to an undisclosed location.

Chief state attorney Sharon Nambuya requested a one-month adjournment, saying her office was overwhelmed with cases and required more time to verify affidavits and other documents submitted for the bail application.

She warned that even a two- or three-week adjournment would still be insufficient for the prosecution to proceed. Grade One Magistrate Damalie Agumaasiimwe rejected the request for a month-long adjournment, emphasizing the need to balance the interests of the accused with the concerns of the prosecution.

She instead adjourned the matter to September 29, 2025, directing the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to file a response before then. For now, the accused will remain on remand at Luzira Prison.