Kampala Woman MP released from Nalufenya jail

Ms Sempala, the Kampala Woman MP (R), and other suspects in court before being bailed. Photo/ Denis Edema

Jinja- Kampala District Woman Member of Parliament (MP),   Ms Nabilah Naggayi Sempala and nine others, who were arrested and detained at Nalufenya Police Station in Jinja, last week, have been granted unconditional bail by Jinja Magistrates Court.

Jinja Grade One Magistrate Ms  Happy  Ann Kyomuhangi, who presided over court ordered them to return to court on December 15, without fail.

They all denied the charge of spreading an infectious disease [Covid-19].

The unconditional bail followed a court order that was filed by Ms  Shamim Malende, after police failed to produce  the suspects on November 23, after spending 48 hours in detention.

"Our clients have been under detention for over 48 hours and police failed to produce them in court which prompted us to apply for the unconditional release which has been granted,” Ms Malende said.

Ms Sempala is vying for the Kampala mayoral seat under the National Unity Platform (NUP).

She was arrested in Jinja when NUP presidential candidate Mr Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine was detained at Nalufenya Detention Centre, last week.

Bobi Wine's arrest sparked country-wide protests that claimed over 50 lives as security forces used live bullets to supress the protests. 

Ms Malende, said security operatives who have adamantly refused to respect the rule of law will be sued as individuals.

“I would like to thank the Jinja Magistrate Court for granting us unconditional release. Many of my colleagues have died and we did not attend their burial because we were in cells,” Ms Sempala said.

She asked Ugandans who are tired of bad governance, corruption and other evils not to be intimidated by security operatives but focus on the struggle to cause change in Uganda.