A Masaka magistrates court has cleared 12 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters of aggravated robbery charges after five months in detention.
The arrests followed a May 4, 2025, incident at a football match organized by Nyendo-Mukungwe parliamentary flag bearer Javiira Lubowa Ssebina. The match was part of the Lubowa Ssebina Football Tournament.
However, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) maintained the aggravated robbery charge against one suspect, Regan Sseremba. He will continue to face both aggravated robbery and assault charges.
As a result, the 12 cleared youths now face only a single charge of assaulting a police officer. Prosecutors allege they attacked Officer David Kisami, stole his Tecno 35 phone worth Shs100,000, and took Shs100,000 in cash.
Those cleared include Emmanuel Mutima, Godfrey Kiweewa, Vincent Nuwamanya, Patrick Tamale, Patrick Kakeeto, Peter Yiga, Dennis Ssengonzi, Jacob Kayondo, Lawrence Mujjuzi, Ezra Kakiga, Ivan Musaniya, and Fred Ssebbaale.
Consequently, Presiding Magistrate Selsa Biwaga withdrew the aggravated robbery charges and read the remaining charge of assault causing bodily harm.
Defense lawyers Herbert Zikusooka and Alexander Lule applied for bail. They argued that the youths had already spent five months in detention on baseless accusations. They also stressed that the accused were only spectators and could not reasonably carry identification documents.
Although State Prosecutor Caroline Namuwenge opposed bail, citing missing sureties and national identity cards, the magistrate sided with the defense. Each accused was granted a cash bail of Shs100,000 and a non-cash bond of Shs1 million for their sureties.
Lule added, “It is implausible for 13 people to violently steal a single phone.”
Outside court, relatives welcomed the release. Justine Namasembe, mother of Regan Sseremba, expressed concern over her son’s continued detention. She noted that he is sick and has children to care for.
Meanwhile, Javiira Lubowa Ssebina criticized the prosecution, claiming the case was politically motivated.
Finally, the court adjourned the case to November 4, 2025.
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