NUP’S Bobi Young Seeks Bail After 9 Months on Remand

Political activist Anthony Agaba, better known as Bobi Young, has formally applied to the High Court of Uganda for bail, highlighting that he has endured nine months in detention without being brought to trial

In a notice of motion filed from Luzira Upper Prison, Bobi Young’s legal team (from Pace Advocates) asserts that he has not been informed of any charges and has not been arraigned before a civilian court, despite his arrest in June 2024 . While initially detained and charged before the General Court Martial under allegations of unlawful possession of defence stores, the Supreme Court’s recent ruling barred military tribunals from trying civilians—mandating that such cases be transferred to civilian courts.

Bobi Young’s application presents several grounds for release:

• He resides in Mutungo Zone 2, Nakawa Division, a stable home environment.

• He has credible sureties, including MPs Johnpaul Mpalanyi Lukwago and Denis Sekabira, and businessman Ian Lwanga.

• He has pledged not to interfere with investigations and not to abscond if released

• He invokes his constitutional right to be presumed innocent and cites relevant legal provisions—including Article 23(6)(c)(a) of the Constitution, Sections 14 and 15 of the Trial on Indictments Act, and the Judicature (Bail Guidelines for Courts of Judicature) Practice Directions, 2022

The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is expected to respond by August 15, while Bobi Young’s lawyers will file their rejoinder by August 18. Justice Emmanuel Baguma is scheduled to deliver his ruling on the bail application on August 22

Bobi Young reaffirmed his innocence, stating, “I am a male adult Ugandan of sound mind and I am not guilty of the charges,” and pledged to comply with any bail conditions if released

Summary at a glance:

• Activist detained: Bobi Young has been remanded since June 2024.

• No civilian trial date has been arranged—despite Supreme Court direction to transfer the case from military tribunal to civilian court.

• Application based on constitutional and procedural rights, supported by reliable sureties and a fixed residence.

• Key dates:

  • DPP response: by August 15

  • Rejoinder: by August 18

  • Ruling: August 22