Tears of joy flowed in the High Court in Kampala after businessman Hajji Ali Mwizerwa, who is accused of defiling his 14-year-old stepdaughter, was granted a cash bail of Shs 2 million.
Mwizerwa, who has spent over two months in jail, was seen mumbling a short prayer and eyes wetted after being granted bail. Hajjat Zuula Nakisuuye, his wife and accuser, was also seen wiping tears away.
Criminal Division judge Isaac Muwata made the decision after determining that Mwizerwa’s sureties were sufficient and the charges against him were bailable. The sureties were required to execute a non-cash bond of Shs 10 million.
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As part of the bail conditions, Mwizerwa was ordered to surrender his passport to the court, refrain from leaving the country without permission, and avoid interfering with state witnesses or the victim.
Citing his constitutional right to the presumption of innocence, Mwizerwa argued in his bail application that the delay in investigations and his deteriorating health, due to gastric ulcers and high blood pressure, justified his release.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had opposed Mwizerwa’s bail on five grounds, arguing that the severity of the crime, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment, made him a flight risk. The DPP also questioned the credibility of his sureties and the verifiability of his claimed residences in Bulenga and Bweya, noting his established business in Juba, South Sudan.
Additionally, the DPP cited concerns over Mwizerwa’s international connections and the potential risk he posed to his wife, Hajjati Zuula Nakisuyi, who had filed the complaint.
The prosecution also presented an affidavit from Sabila Abdella, the OC CID Kajjansi police division. Abdella highlighted an incident on October 31, 2024, where Nakisuyi was allegedly attacked by a hostile crowd on Nasser Road, blaming her for Mwizerwa’s legal troubles, which further underscored her vulnerability.
Despite these objections, the court granted Mwizerwa bail under strict conditions, allowing him to await trial outside of detention.
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