By Aggrey Twesigye
The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Mbarara City has granted bail to Bright Muhumuza, the National Unity Platform (NUP) coordinator for the Ankole region, weeks after he was reported missing.
Muhumuza, who contested for the Mbarara City South parliamentary seat on the NUP ticket, was allegedly abducted on January 13, 2026, while distributing agents’ appointment letters and facilitation. He resurfaced three weeks later in custody and was presented before court on Thursday last week.
Initially charged with committing a rash and negligent act contrary to Section 211(a) of the Penal Code Act, the prosecution on Wednesday amended the charge sheet to add a second count of failing to comply with a police officer’s directives, contrary to Sections 136(b) and 150(a) of the Traffic and Road Safety Act, 2024.
The prosecution alleges that on November 8, 2025, at Kyamugorani Cell in Mbarara City, Muhumuza drove a white Toyota Prado (registration number UAY) in a rash and negligent manner, endangering Mbarara City Division DPC, SP Kenneth Kabwigo Gumisiriza, near Rad Motel on Kyamugorani Road. It is further alleged that he failed to comply with lawful directives from a uniformed police officer at the same time and place.
Through his lawyers, Muhumuza presented four sureties: his wife Phionah Amutuhaire , Topher Mwebaze, Robert Rwakigizi, and Nsimiire Godwin.
The defence urged the court to grant bail, arguing that Muhumuza is a family man with school-going children, a reputable businessman and former parliamentary candidate who employs several people, making him unlikely to abscond. They also contended that he was detained beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit following his alleged abduction.
However, State Attorney Kabasiita Shaama opposed the bail application, citing expired national identity cards for some of the sureties and the applicant. The complainant, SP Kenneth Kabwigo, also objected to the bail application, expressing fear for his safety and questioning the accused’s character.
In response, defence counsel Muhanguzi Honorato argued that national identification numbers do not expire, citing provisions of the Registration of Persons Act. The defence dismissed the claims of fear as unsupported and called for reconciliation.
Grade One Magistrate Ochieng Yafesi granted Muhumuza cash bail of UGX 1 million and bonded each of the four sureties at UGX 3 million non-cash.
The magistrate cautioned Muhumuza against threatening the complainant, warning that any such reports would lead to cancellation of his bail.
The case was adjourned to March 12, 2026, for hearing.
