Enock Ndyamuhakyi | Tayari News
The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kabale has once adjourned a case in which Jolly Jackline Tukamushaba, the Vice President of the National Unity Platform for Western Uganda, is accused of inciting violence during the 2026 general election period.
The case was adjourned today Tuesday due to the absence of the state attorney, who court was informed is currently attending a retreat at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
Tukamushaba, who contested for the Rukiga District Woman Member of Parliament seat on the NUP ticket was allegedly arrested on January 14th, 2026 from Concord Hotel in Muhanga Town Council in Rukiga District. It is alleged that at the time of her arrest, she was distributing appointment letters and facilitation to her polling agents ahead of polling day.
Her supporters and family members, however, claim that she was forcefully picked up by unidentified security operatives and held incommunicado for several weeks without access to lawyers or relatives. The development sparked concern among opposition supporters and human rights activists, some of whom accused security agencies of targeting opposition politicians during the heated election period.
After nearly three weeks in detention, Tukamushaba resurfaced in custody and was eventually presented before court on February 6th, 2026. On the same day, Kabale Chief Magistrate Derrick Byamugisha formally charged her with inciting violence and ordered her remanded to Ndorwa Government Prison until February 24th, 2026.
According to the prosecution, between December 2025 and January 2026, Tukamushaba allegedly used public meetings and political mobilization campaigns to incite members of the public to engage in acts of violence in several districts across Western Uganda, including Rukiga, Kabale, and Rukungiri District.
The state contends that her alleged actions contravened Section 79 subsection one of the Penal Code Act Cap 128. Prosecutors further told the court that Tukamushaba allegedly encouraged members of the public to attack supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement because of their political affiliation.
However, Tukamushaba denied all the charges leveled against her and described the accusations as politically motivated and intended to silence opposition voices in the country. Her legal team also argued that the charges are baseless and meant to intimidate her and other opposition supporters.
Her lawyer told court earlier that, “The prosecution has failed to provide credible evidence linking our client to the allegations. These are political accusations aimed at intimidating an opposition leader who exercised her democratic rights during the election period.”
The same court later granted Tukamushaba bail on conditions that included a cash bond of one million Uganda shillings and non-cash sureties of five million shillings. Court also directed her to continue reporting for mention of the case whenever required and to comply fully with all the bail conditions.
Today, Tukamushaba returned to court for the scheduled mention of her case before Chief Magistrate Derrick Byamugisha. However, proceedings could not continue after court was informed that the state attorney handling the matter was away attending an official retreat at Hotel Africana in Kampala.
The magistrate subsequently adjourned the matter to July 14th this year.
Speaking to our reporter shortly after the court session, Tukamushaba expressed frustration over the continued postponement of the case, accusing the judiciary of deliberately frustrating her in order to wear her down politically.
Tukamushaba said, “This case is being unnecessarily delayed to frustrate me and weaken our political struggle. But I want Ugandans to know that I am not intimidated and I am prepared to continue fighting for justice and freedom.”
She further alleged that the judiciary was operating on directives from powerful individuals in government.
“The judiciary should remain independent instead of being used to silence opposition leaders. I am ready to pay the price until Uganda is liberated,” Tukamushaba added.