Court Denies Bail to Seven UPC Supporters in Kwania Violence Case

21 August 2026, 5:52 pm

By Solomon Okabo

Aduku Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Kwania District has denied bail to seven supporters of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) who are accused of taking part in violence during the election of an LC2 chairperson in Apire Parish, Aduku Sub-county.

The suspects were remanded to Kwania Government Prison until August 27, 2026, when the case will come up for further hearing.

The suspects are Patrick Oruru, 22, of Teopok Village; Tom Ebong, 51, of Alongomula; Tony Otim, 22, of Angolenyang; Nelson Waca, 52; Samuel Otoo, 52; Zakayo Ongol, 42; and Apire Parish councillor Dickens Ogwal. The last four are residents of Apire A Village.

Police arrested the suspects at Kwania Central Police Station between August 10 and 13, 2026, following clashes and disorder between UPC and National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters during the election.

The group first appeared before court on August 18 and was subsequently remanded for two days after mention of the case. Again on August 20, 2026 they were remanded, upto August 27, 2026.

Seven counts brought before court

Appearing before Aduku Grade One Magistrate Smith Ogwal, the suspects were charged with seven offences.

The charges include assault occasioning grievous bodily harm against Kwania District Police Commander SP Kadogo Paul; Deputy Resident District Commissioner Abraham Aturu; TC Baraka Emmanuel; TC Ayepa Acigue; Corporal Okori Emmanuel; and TC Wabire Abudu, all police officers attached to Kwania Central Police Station.

They are also accused of damaging the windscreen of a police patrol vehicle, registration number UP 7669.

Prosecution alleges that on August 10, 2026, at Acut Trading Centre in Apire Parish, the accused persons, together with others still at large, assaulted the officials as they carried out their duties, leaving them seriously injured.

The prosecution cited Articles 202 and 221(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda in support of the charges.

The suspects denied the allegations and applied for bail.

Suspects plead for freedom

Dickens Ogwal told court that he needed bail to continue serving his constituents as a councillor representing Apire Parish at Aduku Sub-county.

“Your Worship, I am a councillor representing Apire Parish at Aduku Sub-county Local Government. Allow me to go home and serve my people of Apire Parish. I also have a disabled child whom I take care of,” he said.

Samuel Otoo also asked for bail, saying he was responsible for caring for several orphans.

However, Magistrate Ogwal rejected the applications and ordered that the suspects remain in custody until August 27.

Magistrate cites pressure over political case

In his ruling, Magistrate Ogwal said the case was political in nature and that he needed more time to scrutinise the matter before considering bail.

“I am receiving a lot of pressure over this case. I know this case is political in nature, but I can tell you that no one can order me, not even the President,” he said.

The magistrate added that the President heads the Executive, the Chief Justice heads the Judiciary, and the Speaker of Parliament leads the legislature.

“I have heard the bail application. Give me time to work on it without pressure,” he said.

He also warned residents against attempting to bribe court officials, saying the judiciary was independent.

“Some people are selling their cows for Shs100,000 and Shs200,000 in the guise of bribing me. That cannot happen. The court is independent, and the law is very clear: if you break it, it punishes you,” Magistrate Ogwal said.

Residents question continued detention

Residents who appeared in support of the suspects argued that bail is a constitutional right that should apply to everyone regardless of political affiliation, tribe, colour or religion.

Dickson Okullo said he was surprised that the suspects had not been granted bail.

“I wonder why the magistrate is remanding our people behind bars. Bail is a constitutional right that should be available to everybody, irrespective of political party affiliation, tribe, colour or religion,” he said.

Another resident, Mary Adoc, accused some senior NRM leaders and political supporters in the district of influencing the case. The allegations could not be independently verified.

“Two political parties fought during the election violence, but why is only one party being arrested?” she asked.

Adoc accused local leaders of engaging in what she described as politics of intrigue, revenge and discrimination.

“Such leaders do not last long in politics,” she said.