Proscovia Nabbosa Mukisa, the National Unity Platform (NUP) aspirant for the Mityana District Woman Member of Parliament seat, has been released on bail by the Mityana Chief Magistrate’s Court after spending four days in detention.
Mukisa appeared before Chief Magistrate Obedi Mugizi on Thursday, May 22, 2025, where she was granted bail on a cash bond of Shs200,000. Two sureties, whose identities were not disclosed in court, were each bonded at Shs3 million non-cash.
Her release followed a short court session during which State Prosecutor Precious Ariyo asked the court to give investigators additional time, noting that inquiries into the case were still underway.
“The investigation is still ongoing,” Ariyo told the court. “We are continuing to gather relevant evidence and have asked for more time to conclude the process.”
The court accepted the prosecution's request and adjourned the matter to June 9, 2025, when Mukisa is expected to reappear.
Mukisa was arrested on Sunday, May 18, under circumstances that remain unclear. She was first brought before court on Monday, May 19, where she applied for bail. However, the ruling was postponed until Wednesday and later delivered on Thursday morning, granting her temporary freedom.
After her release, Mukisa briefly addressed her supporters and the media outside the courtroom, expressing both gratitude and resolve.
“I am thankful for the support I have received from the people of Mityana, my legal team, and my party,” she said. “I remain strong and focused on serving my community.”
The courtroom and its surroundings were filled with a significant number of NUP supporters, some of whom had traveled from distant parts of Mityana to witness the hearing. There were moments of visible relief and celebration as the judge announced her release.
Mukisa's political assistant, Radio Mukooze, criticized what he termed as a growing trend of legal harassment against opposition candidates in the country.
“This is part of a broader pattern of intimidation targeting NUP candidates across Uganda,” Mukooze said. “But we will not be deterred. We are committed to democracy and to serving the people.”
Senior NUP officials present at the court echoed similar sentiments, accusing state institutions of weaponizing the judiciary and police against political opponents. They argued that such tactics only strengthen their resolve to demand change through constitutional means.
Mukisa’s legal team, led by prominent defense lawyer Justine Muwanga, said they are prepared to respond to any formal charges the prosecution may eventually present. At the time of court proceedings, the exact charges against Mukisa had not been publicly disclosed.
“We’re ready to defend our client,” Muwanga told reporters. “But for now, the state needs to clearly articulate the basis of this case.”
Her release allows Mukisa to resume her campaign activities, which had been disrupted by her arrest. She is considered one of the frontrunners in the upcoming elections, and her case has drawn attention not only from Mityana residents but also from civil society groups concerned about political freedoms.
Human rights organizations have also weighed in, calling on authorities to ensure fairness and transparency in handling cases involving political figures. They stressed the importance of protecting the constitutional right to bail and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
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