Bobi Wine free as court grants him bail

Ugandan politician Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine was on Monday released after Gulu High Court granted him and 11 others bail.

According to a section of Uganda media, Bobi Wine together with Arua Municipality MP Elect Kassiano Wadri and others were released after their lawyers applied to have them released on bail.

Gulu High Court Justice Steven Mubiru ruled that the 12 were out on a non-cash bail of Ugs.5 million and a non-cash surety of UGs.10 million.

“They are to report to the Chief Magistrate’s court in Gulu beginning [August] 30th and thereafter as and when the CM wants them to appear in that court,” ruled Justice Mubiru.

The prosecution had requested that the 12 hand in their passports as they are flight risks but the judge refused the prayers.

“I am persuaded by the submissions of the applicants, I see no need to impose restrictions on holding their passports, it is inconvenient and there is no flight risk. It will be a very cumbersome restriction,” he ruled.

One of the bail terms restricts Arua Municipality MP Elect Kassiano Wadri from appearing in constituency for three months.

“I find persuasion in the request by prosecution that the Honorable Member of Parliament elect restrains himself from the constituency until these investigations are done in a calm environment and he can go back to his normal life. I find that to be a middle ground,” added Justice Mubiru.

Bobi Wine’s brother Eddy Yawe welcomed to release but said the struggle continues.

“This is just one of the things we have achieved in terms of the struggle and we shall continue to demand that our country is freed but we thank God for this step,” said Yawe.

The frail and sickly musician turned politician left the court in an ambulance after arriving in court with crutches with claims of torture being leveled against the government.