Igara East MP Michael Mawanda and Busiki County MP Paul Akamba have been granted temporary relief from their ongoing legal troubles after the Anti-Corruption Court released the duo on bail with tough conditions.
Each of the accused was slapped with a hefty Shs35 million cash bail, and their sureties have to cough up an additional Shs50 million in non-cash bonds. The court has also kept a close eye on their movements, with the lawmakers required to surrender their passports and check in at the court registry every two weeks. Any misstep, including interfering with witnesses or investigations, could see their bail revoked faster than you can say "courtroom drama."
The timing of the bail couldn't be more interesting. It comes exactly two weeks after Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba threw a spotlight on the case, alleging that MP Mawanda’s arrest was a politically motivated witch hunt. Gen. Muhoozi, never one to shy away from stirring the pot, took to social media, accusing the government of targeting Mawanda for his support of Muhoozi in Bushenyi. "My friend Michael Mawanda is in prison while people who have stolen for decades remain ministers?" he posted, adding that Mawanda’s real crime was backing him.
Meanwhile, Paul Akamba, who experienced the drama of being re-arrested outside court in June right after his initial bail, can finally enjoy a breather. The court’s decision to grant bail has been portrayed as a balancing act—upholding constitutional rights while ensuring justice isn't sidelined.
The case at hand involves a staggering Shs7 billion corruption scandal tied to cooperative war loss compensation. Alongside Mawanda and Akamba, lawyer Julius Kirya Taitankoko is also in the dock, accused of his own financial misadventures. The corruption trial, set to kick off in November, promises more twists and turns.
Judge Jane Kajuga, who had previously suggested a plea bargain, allowed the accused to continue their trial from the comfort of their homes—a move that has brought a glimmer of hope to their beleaguered supporters.
