Masaka High Court has granted bail to four civilian bodyguards attached to National Unity Platform (NUP) president Bobi Wine, who are facing robbery charges stemming from an incident in Lwengo District in May 2024.
The four are Achilleo Kivumbi, Gaddafi Mugumya, Grace Wakabi and Eddie Ssebufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe. The court granted each of them cash bail of Shs5 million, while their sureties were required to provide non-cash security worth Shs50 million.
Despite the bail order, Ssebufu and Kivumbi will not immediately leave custody because they are also facing separate charges in a military drill-related case before the Kawempe Magistrate’s Court. Their continued detention is therefore linked to the separate proceedings.
Wakabi and Mugumya, on the other hand, are expected to be released once they have fulfilled the bail conditions set by the Masaka High Court. Their release will bring temporary relief to the two NUP-linked security personnel as their case proceeds through the courts.
The four are accused of robbery arising from an incident reported on May 18, 2024, in Manja Village, Lwengo District. The incident occurred during the funeral of businessman Pascal Ssekasamba, where members of Bobi Wine’s security team were present.
The accusations against the four have attracted attention because of their close association with Bobi Wine, a prominent opposition politician and leader of NUP. Ssebufu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, has in particular been a visible member of Bobi Wine’s security detail at political and public events.
The granting of bail does not amount to an acquittal or a finding that the accused are innocent of the charges. It allows the accused persons to remain out of custody, subject to the conditions imposed by court, while the prosecution of the case continues.
The development also means that the legal situation of the four men remains divided. While Wakabi and Mugumya are expected to regain their freedom after meeting the Masaka court requirements, Kivumbi and Ssebufu will remain in custody because of the additional military drill case pending before the Kawempe court.
The Masaka bail decision is the latest development in a case that has kept the four NUP bodyguards in the criminal justice system for more than two years. Their supporters are expected to closely follow the next court proceedings as the prosecution case over the alleged May 18, 2024 robbery continues.
