The High Court in Masaka has postponed the ruling on the bail applications of four civilian bodyguards of National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine.

On Thursday 14th August, 2025, the session, presided over by Justice Fatumah Nanziri was halted after Masaka Resident Chief State Attorney Brian Kalinaki pointed out that several sureties lacked original National Identity Cards and valid introduction letters from their Local Council 1 chairpersons.

“Some of the sureties presented to court had issues with their National Identity Cards and introduction letters from their places of abode, making it difficult to verify if they were residents of the said areas,” Kalinaki said.

The four accused; Achilleo Kivumbi, Edward Ssebuwuufu (alias Eddie Mutwe), Grace Wakabi (alias Smart-wa Bobi), and Gaddafi Mugumya are facing charges of aggravated robbery, assault, and malicious damage to property.

According to the charge sheet, the group allegedly assaulted female journalists during a burial ceremony in Manja village, Kissekka sub-county, Lwengo District, in May last year.

The prosecution claims they shattered a video camera and a smartphone belonging to the journalists, stole two additional phones and Shs200,000, and threatened three other complainants with bayonets, causing grievous harm.

However, the suspects deny the allegations, alleging that the charges are political persecution.

During the court session, defence lawyers Elias Luyimabazi Nalukoola, Shamim Malende, Samuel Muyizzi, and Kato Tumusiime argued that the accused had spent an unreasonably long time on remand without trial, undermining their constitutional right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Nalukoola said that the accused have dependents who are suffering in their absence, citing Wakabi’s sick mother who requires his care.

The defence presented five Members of Parliament, Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja, and relatives of the accused as sureties. However, court proceedings were disrupted when some sureties failed to present their National Identification Cards and village introduction letters, raising questions about their authenticity.

After the court heard submissions from both the prosecution and defence regarding the applications, Masaka High Court Judge Fatuma Nanziri Bwanika announced August 22nd as the new date for the bail hearing.

The four accused remain on remand at Masaka Main Prison.