Newly Bailed Kyagulanyi Bodyguards: Prison life is harsh, but necessary

What the report says

Two bodyguards linked to National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, known as Bobi Wine, have spoken publicly after being released on bail from a case in Masaka, Uganda. The Independent Uganda reported that Grace Wakabi, also called Smart wa Bobi, and Gaddafi Mugumya were granted bail on Thursday by Masaka High Court Judge Victoria Nakintu Katamba after spending close to two years on remand.

According to the report, the pair face charges including aggravated robbery, malicious damage to property and assault. Each was required to pay a cash bail of 5 million shillings, while their sureties were ordered to sign non-cash bonds of 50 million shillings each. Two co-accused, Achileo Kivumbi and Edward Ssebuufu, also obtained bail but remained in custody because of separate fresh charges before Kawempe Court.

At a news briefing at NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, the men described prison as difficult but said it was still important for separating dangerous criminals from society. Mugumya said he believed they had been jailed on politically motivated charges and argued that prison should be reserved for genuine offenders, not innocent people. Wakabi recounted their arrest and later transfer between police stations, saying they were questioned about NUP and Kyagulanyi’s plans.

The remarks come amid Uganda’s wider debate over political detentions, prison conditions and the treatment of opposition figures. As reported by The Independent Uganda, the two men urged supporters to keep visiting prisoners held over political cases and to help strengthen their morale.