DPP Objects To MPs’ Bail Application Again

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has for another time, objected to the release of three NRM Members of Parliament, Yusuf Mutembuli, Paul Akamba, and Cissy Namujju Dionizia on bail, citing insufficient sureties and the severity of the offenses.

The MPs are battling corruption charges in the Anti-Corruption Court and they have spent almost 2 months on remand in prison despite several pleas for bail through their lawyers.

The MPs presented sureties, including fellow MPs and community officers, but the prosecution argued that they were not substantial. The prosecution also pointed out discrepancies in the sureties’ documents.

The MPs’ lawyers argued that their clients have spent 52 days in Luzira Prison and should be granted reasonable bail. However, the prosecution objected, and instead, asked the court to prioritize the hearing of the case.

The court heard that the MPs submitted medical letters, but they were not certified by prison medical doctors. The prosecution argued that this was not sufficient to warrant bail.

The prosecution also highlighted the Bail Guidelines of 2022, which set out considerations for the court to exercise its discretion. These include the nature and gravity of the offense, the applicant’s age, and whether they have a fixed place of abode.

The court will deliver its ruling on the bail applications on Monday, August 5, 2024. The hearing of prosecution witnesses will resume on August 8 and 9, 2024.

The accused MPs were thus further remanded. The prosecution alleges that they solicited money from the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Mariam Wangadya, in exchange for influencing the parliamentary budget committee to increase the commission’s budget.

The court has requested all parties to cooperate to finish the trial within two weeks. The ruling on whether to admit audio recordings as evidence will also be delivered on August 5, 2024.