Court Martial Again Rejects Bail for NUP Political Detainees
In a recent hearing, while four male detainees were granted temporary freedom, Ms. Lutaaya was left behind bars, her constitutional right to bail once again denied by Brig Gen Robert Mugabe, chairman of the Court Martial in Makindye Military Barracks.
The general court martial has again rejected the bail of 28 National Unity political prisoners including a one Ms Lutaaya, 32,who was also in 2021 violently arrested from her home in Namuwongo, a Kampala suburb, and detained incommunicado for weeks before she was arraigned in the military court.
The denial of bail for Olivia Lutaaya and other NUP political detainees by the Court Martial has once again ignited debate over justice and political freedom in Uganda.
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Her case gained international attention, with NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi highlighting her plight. Despite global condemnation, Ms. Lutaaya finds herself continually denied freedom.
In a recent hearing, while four male detainees were granted temporary freedom, Ms. Lutaaya was left behind bars, her constitutional right to bail once again denied by Brig Gen Robert Mugabe, chairman of the Court Martial in Makindye Military Barracks.
The applicants had filed a motion citing various legal provisions and arguing for their right to bail, emphasizing the bailable nature of the offense, the prolonged custody without a clear trial timeline, and the availability of reliable sureties. However, their pleas fell on deaf ears.
The case of Ms. Lutaaya, who is still incarcerated, highlights the difficulties encountered by political dissidents in Uganda and calls into doubt the impartiality and independence of the legal system. The country faces a steep battle in achieving justice and political freedom, as demonstrated by the denial of bail.
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