KAKUMIRO, Uganda — A chief magistrate’s court in Kibaale has granted bail to Onesmas Twinamasiko, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary flagbearer for Bugangaizi East Constituency in Kakumiro district, who had been on remand for allegedly assaulting Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
The incident is said to have taken place on July 17, 2025, during the announcement of NRM primary election results at the party’s offices in Kakumiro.
A scuffle reportedly broke out, during which Twinamasiko is accused of assaulting the Prime Minister in front of party supporters and security personnel.
After his arrest on September 3, Twinamasiko appeared in Kibaale Magistrate’s court where he was charged with assault and causing bodily harm. He pleaded not guilty and applied for bail, but was remanded until September 10.
On Wednesday, Magistrate Nazifah Namayanja granted him non-cash bail of Shs 500,000 after he presented three substantial sureties: Joseph Sentayi Senkusu, the Kakumiro LC V chairperson; Moses Rusamba, the LC III chairperson of Kisita sub-county; and Lawrence Bazara, the secretary for Education and Health in Kakumiro district.
Twinamasiko, who is expected back in court on October 2, 2025, for a further hearing, insisted that his arrest and detention were politically motivated. He also thanked his supporters for standing by him.
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The magistrate’s decision was welcomed by Bugangaizi South MP Josephat Tumwesige, who stated that bail is a constitutional right.
Meanwhile, Kakumiro LC V chairperson Joseph Sentayi Senkusu appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to personally intervene and resolve the growing internal disputes among top NRM leaders in the district.
The day after Twinamasiko’s arrest, on September 4, police dispersed protesters in Kisiita town who were demanding his release.
The demonstrators, including youth, women, and elderly residents, had marched with placards before security forces blocked their path, leading to running battles.
