Six Rwenzuru royal guards granted bail

21 December 2022, 10:37 am

By Kyamanduma Patrick

Six out of 49 suspects who are part of the Rwenzururu royalists following the 2016 clashes with joint security forces in the Buhikira Palace in Kasese district have been granted bail. 

The International Crimes Division of the High Court has granted bail to six out of 49 suspects who are part of the Rwenzururu royalists arrested following the 2016 clashes with joint security forces in the Buhikira Palace of the Rwenzururu Kingdom in Kasese district.

At least 221 Rwenzururu loyalists were arrested and charged with over 40 counts ranging from terrorism, treason, attempted murder, murder and  kidnap among others,

According to the ruling, these have been appearing before court whenever called upon.

Last month of November, another 49 suspects applied for bail through the Court sitting in Jinja City on grounds of illness and psychological disorders such as stress resulting from long stay in prison while on remand and not knowing their fate.

In a ruling read today by the Court Registrar Beatrice Atingu, the Judge Alice Komuhangi Khaukha granted bail to Eriya Kule Sibendire,74, Daudi Bahangondi, 70 and Bwambale Bahingana, 66 years on account of advanced age.

The Court of Judicature bail guidelines of 2022 provide for the exceptional circumstances under which bail can be granted to suspects on capital offenses and other grave offenses. One of the circumstances is advanced age, which is interpreted to be 60 years and above.

Others suspects granted bail are Julius Masereka Regyeya 58, Yowasi Rubasesera 57 and Joram Thaghembwa 56. Although these have not attained the prescribed advanced age, the judge noted in her ruling that the trio looked old and hence gave them the bail.

David Bwambale Kongole, one of the counsel of the applicants says it’s unfortunate that most of their clients have not been granted bail.

He said they shall review the ruling and decide on their course of action.