The Kabale Grade One Magistrates Court has charged and granted bail to two men accused of voter bribery during the recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections for the Rukiga District Woman Member of Parliament flag bearer.
The suspects, Julius Twesigye (54) and Godwin Niwahereza (19), were arraigned before Principal Chief Magistrate His Worship Julius Mutabazi on Friday Evening. Court heard that on July 17, 2025, at Siindi Village, Siindi Ward in Mparo Town Council, the duo allegedly conspired to bribe voters in favor of a particular candidate.
The charges, presented by State Prosecutor Isaac Onyango, were denied by both accused persons.
Defense counsel Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi applied for bail, arguing that the suspects were first-time offenders with no criminal records and were respected members of their community. He presented two substantial sureties for each accused.
For Twesigye, the sureties included his wife Phionah Tumuronde (38), and Kibuuka Bernard (67), the LC1 Chairperson of Siindi Village. Niwahereza was also backed by Kibuuka Bernard and Mbarinda Isaac (36), a resident of the same village.
However, Prosecutor Onyango objected to the bail application, citing potential interference with ongoing investigations and possible involvement of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
In his ruling, His Worship Mutabazi noted that the complainant had failed to appear before court and that the evidence presented was not strong enough to deny bail. He also cited the positive standing of the accused in the community as a factor in granting bail.
Each suspect was released on a cash bail of Shs 500,000, while their sureties were bonded Shs 5 million non-cash. The matter was adjourned to September 16, 2025.
Defense lawyer Katabaazi welcomed the ruling, noting that it would help ease public tension and restore calm in the district.
CUE IN LAWYER KATABAAZI…ON THE MATTER…ENG//
Meanwhile, Kigezi Region Police spokesperson Elly Maate confirmed the arrests, stating that they were made with the assistance of local leaders and police intelligence in Rukiga District. He added that the suspects were captured on video distributing money to voters shortly after the July 17th election.
Maate said the duo were interrogated and charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, specifically, voter bribery.
