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NUP leader detained for ridiculing Museveni, Gen Muhoozi granted bail
NUP leader detained for ridiculing Museveni, Gen Muhoozi granted bail
Ms Mbabazi was arrested on March 3, 2025, at Katungu Cell, Ward 3, Ishaka Division in Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality, for allegedly making hate speech against President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also serves as the Chief of Defence Forces.
The Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Bushenyi has granted bail to Ms Pathy Mbabazi, the National Unity Platform (NUP) District Registrar, who was arrested on accusations of computer misuse.
Ms Mbabazi was arrested on March 3, 2025, at Katungu Cell, Ward 3, Ishaka Division in Bushenyi Ishaka Municipality, for allegedly making hate speech against President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also serves as the Chief of Defence Forces.
“The accused has no prior criminal record, and after carefully considering the submissions of both the defense and prosecution, as well as the provided sureties, I have granted her bail,” said Mr Emmanuel Niyokwizera, the Grade One Chief Magistrate of Bushenyi. “The bail is set at Shs 100,000 in cash, and each of the sureties is required to pay a non-cash bail of Shs5m.”
He added, “The accused will appear in court on April 16, 2025, and the money paid in court will be refunded after the case concludes.”
Earlier, the lead defense lawyer, Joshua Tumukunde of Mugisha Arnold and Company Advocates, informed the court that the accused is a first-time offender and a single mother.
Mr Godfrey Bainomugisha, the National Unity Platform District Chairman, stated that the court has shown that justice still prevails. He further argued that small matters like this should not anger the president and his son.
“These are minor matters that shouldn’t be settled in court. It’s frustrating when a person questions taxpayer money and ends up in jail, while those who steal billions walk freely. Meanwhile, we hear leaders asking residents to help fight corruption,” he said.
Mr Guma Gumisiriza Gustas, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Chairman for Bushenyi District, urged the youth to stand firm and defend the country at all costs.
“If you fail to defend this country, you’re finished. This country belongs to all of us. Speaking out against corruption is not a crime. The country is losing a lot of money every day, and those swindling this money are in government,” he said.
Mbabazi is among several Ugandan social media users who have been arrested and prosecuted for allegedly ridiculing President Yoweri Museveni and his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Many of these individuals have made comments on issues such as corruption, youth unemployment, impunity, and human rights abuses.
