Gideon Tumwijukye
KABALE – The Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to Jolly Jackline Tukamushaba, the Vice President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for Western Uganda, following weeks of detention over allegations of inciting violence during the recent general election period.
Tukamushaba, who contested for the Rukiga District Woman Member of Parliament seat on the NUP ticket, was allegedly arrested on January 14, 2026, at Concord Hotel in Muhanga Town Council in Rukiga District.
She was reportedly distributing appointment letters and facilitation to her polling agents ahead of voting day. Her supporters claim she was taken by security operatives and held incommunicado for several weeks.
She resurfaced nearly three weeks later in court on February 6, 2026. On the same day, Kabale Chief Magistrate Derrick Byamugisha formally charged her with inciting violence and ordered her remand to Ndorwa Government Prison until February 24, 2026.
According to the prosecution, between December 2025 and January 2026, Tukamushaba allegedly incited members of the public to engage in acts of violence in several districts across Western Uganda, including Rukiga, Kabale, and Rukungiri. The state argues that her actions contravened Section 79(1) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
Prosecutors further told the court that Tukamushaba allegedly urged individuals to attack supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) based on their political affiliation. However, she pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that the accusations are politically motivated.
On Thursday, the court granted Tukamushaba bail on conditions that included a cash bond of one million Uganda shillings and sureties of five million Uganda shillings. The court emphasised that she must comply with all bail terms and return for mention of her case on February 24, 2026.
Shortly after securing her release, Tukamushaba spoke to reporters and expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the January general election. She claimed her arrest on the eve of polling day denied her an opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.
“I was denied my right to vote. I was contesting for the Rukiga District Woman Member of Parliament seat. Still, my arrest on the eve of polling day prevented me from participating in the electoral process,” she said.
She further alleged that her absence from the district during the crucial voting period compromised her ability to monitor the election.
“Because I was not in Rukiga District, I could not supervise the electoral process. I believe my votes may have been tampered with during my absence,” Tukamushaba added.
She also questioned the overall credibility of the electoral process in her constituency.
“The circumstances surrounding my arrest and detention raise serious concerns about the fairness of the election. Ugandans deserve a transparent and accountable electoral system,” she stated.
Her legal team, led by Godwin Masereka and Innocent Muhereza of Elgon Advocates, welcomed the court’s decision to grant bail, saying it allows her to prepare her defence while out of custody. Meanwhile, her supporters gathered outside the court expressed relief at her release and called for a fair and impartial judicial process.
Tukamushaba is expected to reappear before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kabale on February 24, 2026, as investigations and hearings of the case continue.