KAMPALA, Uganda — Veteran journalist and political commentator Timothy Kalyegira has been granted cash bail of Shs650,000 by the Kira Chief Magistrate’s Court in Wakiso District.
The court ordered mR. Kalyegira to return on August 4, 2026, for further proceedings in a case in which he is accused of operating online media platforms without a broadcasting licence.
His release comes nearly two weeks after his disappearance prompted questions on social media and calls from members of the public for authorities to disclose his whereabouts. He was subsequently produced before court and charged.
During the bail hearing, prosecutors opposed Kalyegira’s release, arguing that his large online following could potentially influence or intimidate witnesses.
The State also questioned whether the journalist had established a fixed place of residence, noting that he had not presented documentary evidence such as a land title to support his claim of residence.
Prosecutors further challenged the suitability of one of his proposed sureties, his younger brother, to guarantee his return to court.
Following submissions from both sides, the magistrate adjourned briefly before returning to deliver a ruling granting bail.
Kalyegira faces two counts of broadcasting without a licence, contrary to Section 28(1) and (2) of the Uganda Communications Act.
According to the charge sheet, prosecutors allege that between 2013 and 2026 he operated The Kampala Express, described as a video production and media consulting platform, without a broadcasting licence issued by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).
In a second count, the State alleges that between 2014 and 2026 he operated The Uganda Records, an online publication platform, without obtaining the required licence from the regulator.
Kalyegira has not publicly commented on the charges.
The journalist appeared in court wearing a light grey short-sleeved T-shirt, beige cargo trousers, a dark knitted beanie and a surgical face mask.
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His appearance in handcuffs attracted attention among observers and supporters outside court.
Kalyegira is widely known for his political commentary and analysis on governance, security and current affairs. He has written extensively on national politics and military affairs and is a columnist and contributor to various media platforms, including the Weekend Monitor.
This is not Kalyegira’s first encounter with the criminal justice system.
In 2010 and 2011, he faced charges of sedition and criminal libel linked to articles published on his platform, including commentary related to the July 2010 Kampala bombings.
Those charges were dismissed in 2015.
The latest prosecution has drawn attention from digital rights advocates and media freedom groups, some of whom have raised concerns about the application of laws governing online publishing and broadcasting.
The case is expected to continue when Kalyegira returns to court on August 4.
