Man accused of slapping PM Nabbanja granted bail

Kibaale Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to Onesmas Twinamasiko, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary flagbearer for Bugangaizi East Constituency in Kakumiro district, who had been on remand over allegations of assaulting Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.

The incident is said to have occurred on July 17, 2025, during the announcement of NRM primary election results at the Kakumiro district party offices. A scuffle reportedly broke out, during which Twinamasiko allegedly assaulted the prime minister in full view of party supporters and security personnel.

He was arrested on September 3 and appeared in Kibaale Magistrate’s court the same day, where he was charged with assault and causing bodily harm. Despite pleading not guilty and applying for bail, the magistrate remanded him until September 10, pending a ruling on his application.

On Wednesday, magistrate Nazifah Namayanja granted him non-cash bail of Shs 500,000 after he presented three substantial sureties: Joseph Sentayi Senkusu, Kakumiro LC V chairperson; Moses Rusamba, LC III chairperson of Kisita sub-county; and Lawrence Bazara, secretary for Education and Health in Kakumiro district.

Twinamasiko is expected back in court on October 2, 2025, for a further hearing of his case. Speaking shortly after his release, he insisted that his arrest and detention were politically motivated and thanked his supporters for standing by him.

Bugangaizi South MP Josephat Tumwesige welcomed the magistrate’s ruling, saying bail is a constitutional right. Meanwhile, Senkusu, the Kakumiro LC V chairperson, appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to intervene personally and resolve the growing internal disputes among top NRM leaders in the district.

On September 4, police dispersed protesters who had taken to the streets of Kisiita town demanding Twinamasiko’s release. The demonstrators, including youth, women, and elderly residents marched with placards before being blocked by security forces, leading to running battles..