Ugandan legislators Michael Mawanda and Paul Akamba, Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Cooperatives Geraldine Ssali Busuulwa alongside city lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko, have been temporarily released from custody after being granted bail by the Anti-Corruption Court on Friday. The decision comes amid rising tensions and allegations of selective prosecution in the country’s ongoing fight against corruption.
Justice Jane Kajuga set stringent conditions for their release, requiring each of the accused to pay a cash bail of Shs35 million. Additionally, the court mandated a non-cash bond of Shs50 million for each surety, who must ensure that the accused comply with all bail conditions. Among these conditions are the surrender of their passports and mandatory bi-weekly check-ins at the court registry.
Judge Kajuga emphasized that while the granting of bail is a constitutional right, it comes with responsibilities to ensure the integrity of the judicial process. “Any attempt to interfere with witnesses or ongoing investigations will result in immediate revocation of bail,” she warned.
The bail decision follows a high-profile arrest and a dramatic re-arrest of Mr. Akamba in June, moments after he was initially granted bail. The court’s decision now allows the two legislators temporary freedom as they await trial.
The timing of their release is noteworthy, occurring just two weeks after General Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly criticized the charges against Mawanda, alleging political persecution. General Muhoozi, a prominent figure in Uganda, questioned why Mawanda, the Igara East MP, faced arrest while other officials implicated in longstanding corruption cases remain unpunished.
Mawanda’s arrest in June was linked to a Shs7 billion corruption scandal involving compensation for war losses in cooperative societies. His case has stirred controversy, with accusations of selective justice casting a shadow over the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes are on how the Ugandan justice system will navigate these high-profile cases amid increasing public and political scrutiny.
