A magistrate’s court in Masaka has dismissed aggravated robbery charges against 12 supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), ending their five-month detention.
The group had been arrested on May 4, 2025, during the Sebina Cup football tournament in Nyendo, Masaka City.
Prosecutors had accused them of assaulting a police officer, stealing his phone and money during a scuffle at the event.
On Friday, Presiding Magistrate Selsa Biwaga confirmed that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had withdrawn the robbery charge for all but one suspect, Reagan Sseremba, who will continue to answer to aggravated robbery and assault counts.
The other 12 now face only one charge—assaulting police officer David Kisami.
Those relieved of the robbery allegation include Mutima Emma, Kiweewa Godfrey, Nuwamanya Vincent, Tamale Patrick, Kakeeto Patrick, Yiga Peter, Ssengoozi Dennis, Kayondo Jacob, Mujuzi Lawrence, Kakiga Ezra, Musaniya Ivan, and Fred Ssebaale.
Defense lawyers Alexander Lule and Herbert Zikusooka successfully applied for bail, noting the youths had been remanded for months on what they called “unsubstantiated charges.”
They argued the accused were spectators at a football match and had no reason to carry identity documents.
State prosecutor Caroline Namuwenge objected, insisting the suspects had not presented national IDs.
But the magistrate ruled in their favor, granting each bail at Shs100,000 and noting that investigations were already concluded.
“It is implausible for 13 people to violently rob one individual of a phone and Shs100,000,” lawyer Zikusooka later told reporters, vowing to petition the DPP over what he described as abuse of process.
Families of the freed youths celebrated outside the courtroom, though Sseremba’s mother, Justine Namasembe, expressed despair that her son remained in custody on charges she believes are fabricated.
Tournament organizer Gyaviira Lubowa Sebina and local leaders echoed suspicions that the arrests were politically driven, intended to instill fear in the community.
The case is set to return to court on November 4, 2025.
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