KAMPALA, Uganda — The High Court in Kampala has deferred the hearing of a bail application for a second time.
Assistant Registrar Salam Ngobi informed defense and state lawyers that trial judge Isaac Muwata was attending to another assignment. “It is not true that the trial judge is sick, he has been assigned by the Principal Judge,” Ngobi said. “As proposed by the parties, in the event that the judge is back, we shall issue a production warrant. In the meantime, the case is adjourned to December 2 for the hearing of the bail application.”
Ali Mwizerwa is accused of aggravated defilement contrary to section 116(3)(4)(c) of the Penal Code Act Cap 128. He was committed to the High Court for trial on November 13, 2024.
Mwizerwa applied for bail, stating that he is a citizen of Uganda with a fixed place of abode. He claimed that his family continues to suffer mentally, psychologically and financially since his arrest on September 30, 2024.
In his bail application, Mwizerwa argued that the offense did not involve violence and that he would not interfere with prosecution witnesses or police investigations. He also claimed to suffer from a grave illness that is incapable of being adequately treated while in custody.
The state objected to Mwizerwa’s bail application, citing the seriousness of the offense. The state argued that Mwizerwa is a flight risk and lacks substantial sureties.
Sabila Abdella, the OC CID Kajjansi police division, stated in a sworn affidavit that Mwizerwa’s claimed residencies in Bulenga and Bweya lack verification for reliability. Abdella also stated that Mwizerwa’s established home in Juba, South Sudan, where he frequently resides during business trips, amplifies the risk of absconding.
The state further argued that the victim expressed feelings of vulnerability and insecurity due to Mwizerwa’s close familial ties. Abdella stated that the victim was subjected to an unprovoked attack on October 31, 2024, while conducting errands along Nasser Road in Kampala.
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