After nine months behind bars, NUP’s Bobi Youn...

After nine months behind bars, NUP’s Bobi Young petitions court for bail

Anthony Agaba, popularly known as Bobi Young, has formally applied for bail citing prolonged detention without a trial, invoking the constitutional presumption of innocence.

In a motion filed with the High Court on Monday, Agaba’s legal team highlighted that he has now spent nine months in remand without a scheduled trial date, a situation they argue is incompatible with his fundamental rights.

Held on charges of unlawful possession of defence stores under the UPDF Act, Agaba asserts he has neither received formal charges in a civilian court nor been summoned to stand before a court of record. His affidavit, sworn at Luzira Upper Prison, underscores his lack of engagement with any trial proceedings to date.

Bobi Young insists: “I have never been informed of any charges against me nor have I ever been arraigned before any Court of Record for hearing.”

Agaba’s application also notes the Supreme Court’s directive barring military courts from trying civilians, and emphasizes that no updates have been received regarding transfer to a civilian court.

In support of bail, Agaba offered strong assurances, including fixed residence, reliable sureties—such as MPs Johnpaul Mpalanyi Lukwago and Denis Sekabira, and businessman Ian Lwanga—and a commitment not to interfere with the investigation or abscond.

The prosecution is due to respond by August 15, followed by Agaba’s rejoinder on August 18. Justice Emmanuel Baguma is scheduled to rule on the application on August 22.

Stay tuned for updates on this matter as the legal process unfolds.