By Aggrey Twesigye
The bail hearing for 38 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has been postponed after the Mbarara Chief Magistrate failed to appear in court on Monday.
The group was arrested on November 7, 2025, while accompanying NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu to a campaign rally in Bwizibwera Town along the Ibanda–Mbarara road.
The supporters, who were brought to the Mbarara Chief Magistrates Court at exactly 7:00 a.m., waited for several hours, only to learn that presiding magistrate Andrew Kabombo would not be attending the session.
Their lawyers expressed frustration over the delay, calling it an infringement on their clients’ right to a fair and timely hearing. Relatives of the suspects, many of whom travelled from distant districts, also voiced concern over the prolonged detention.
The arrests and subsequent delays have sparked fresh criticism from opposition leaders, who accuse security agencies of using legal processes to intimidate NUP supporters during the ongoing campaign period.
The group will reappear in court on 11th December for bail hearing.
