Just In: Novelist Kakwenza Released On Bail

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Novelist Kakwenza Is Safe In Exile- US Based journalist Reveals, Set For Online Interview

Novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija

By Uganda Online Media

President Yoweri Museveni has appointed Maj Tom Magambo who has been in the Internal Security Organisations(ISO) as the new police Criminal Investigations Director.

“President Museveni has promoted Private Tom Magambo to the rank of Major and appointed him Director Criminal Investigations of the Uganda Police Force,” the acting UPDF spokesperson, Lt Col Ronald Kakurungu said in a statement.

Kampala: Buganda road court has this morning released Novelist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija on a cash bail of UGX 500,000 whereas each of the sureties for the author pays shs10 million non-cash bail.

“The accused person has presented credible sureties some of whom are lawyers while others are political leaders of one of the political parties. Given the circumstances of this case, it is my considered view that it is not even necessary to consider expensive bail conditions in monetary terms. I, therefore, release the accused person on bail,” Dr.Singiza said in a short ruling, Chief Magistrate, Dr.Douglas Singiza said

While releasing Kakwenza, Singiza further noted that all parties particularly the accused person, in this case, have been barred by the court from discussing his case in the media.

“All parties, in this case, are specifically barred from discussing this matter in the media. Particularly the accused person and the defense are advised not to discuss this matter in the media as a breach of this condition will lead to the automatic collapse of the bail,” Dr.Singiza said

In the bail application last week, Kakwenza’s lawyer, Eron Kiiza noted that his client had been tortured while in incarceration, and therefore needs to access medical treatment adding that the case which Kakwenza is being charged with is also bailable and therefore the court should grant him temporary freedom.

However, Resident State Attorney Joan Keko in response prayed that Kakwenza remains in detention because releasing him on bail could interfere with investigations into his case.

The prosecution alleged that if released, Kakwenza will have access to his social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, where he will likely disrupt the ongoing investigations.

Therefore, Singiza pushed the decision on the bail application to January 25, 2022, which is today thus granting his temporary freedom.

The case has been adjourned to February,1 for further mention.

Kakwenza is battling charges related to offensive communication, which is contrary to section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act 2011.


The award-winning writer was arrested from his house in Kampala in late December last year and has been on remand in Katalya prison until January 11th when he was produced before the court and charged with abusive communication to President Museveni and the First son Muhoozi Kainerugaba through his Twitter handle.

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