Igara East MP Michael Mawanda Released on Bail

Igara East MP Michael Mawanda has been released on bail after appearing before the High Court on Friday morning. Mawanda, along with Paul Akamba and Counsel Julius Kirya, were granted bail set at Shs35 million each, with their sureties required to post Shs50 million non-cash alongside other conditions.

Mawanda, who serves as the Director of Mobilisation for the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), was arrested in June on charges of corruption linked to the financial mismanagement of war loss compensation funds allocated to cooperatives. Since his detention, his supporters and friends have taken to social media to protest against his arrest.

PLU Chairman and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba described Mawanda as a political prisoner, saying he was targeted for supporting him.

"Michael Mawanda, is a political prisoner. He was taken to prison by some politically dilapitated people in NRM for the 'great crime' of supporting Muhoozi Kainerugaba in Bushenyi. That's his only crime. Supportting me. Free Mawanda!" Gen Kainerugaba who is also a senior presidential advisor on Special Operations, posted on X.

In a further post, Kainerugaba likened Mawanda's situation to a biblical story, affirming his unwavering support for his friend.

"Those who ask me about Michael Mawanda? He is my friend. I do not abandon my friends when they are in need. That has never been my character. Even our Lord Jesus Christ had friends. Lazarus was his friend, whom Christ resurrected! Mawanda is in hell but he will surely live again!