Speaker Ochola, Councilor Oyella released on bail, case adjourned till February

24 January 2024, 3:58 pm

By Otim Moses

After spending 39 days in Kitgum Government Prison, Lamwo District speak Hon Ochola James, Palabek Gem and Abera Sub-Counties female councilor, Hon Oyella Joyce finally walked out smiling following their release on bail by the Kitgum Chief Magistrate’s Court.

They were arrested on the 16^th December 2023 for inciting violence during the eviction of Balaalo from Palabek Gem Sub-County, Lamwo district

Mr. Nashiero Mwandha Robert Ekirita, the kitgum chief magistrate granted hon Ochola and hon Oyella cash bails of Shs2.5m and Shs2m respectively while their sureties were bonded at Shs10 million each, not cash.

Mr Anywar Fred Dan alias Kajik, an activist and co-accused whom on Monday January 22^nd declined a cash bail of shs1.5 million arguing that he couldn’t leave his co-accused behind bars — was also finally released on Tuesday.

Ms. Nyeko Victoria, the complainant, told curt that the accused should desist from inciting members of the public and asked that the Lamwo district chairperson, Mr. Oyet Sisto Ochen (who was the first to be arrested in December last year and released on bail) be compelled to appear in court to answer charges against him.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Nashiero Mwandha Robert Ekirita warned the accused persons against Accessing the crime scene and desist from making statements on media like radio, television, Facebook and WhatsApp among others as such may result to their eventual re-arrests for contempt of court.

The case has been adjourned till 20^th Feb, 2024 for further hearing,