Kitagwenda LC5 Chairperson Ismail Mushemeza granted bail after months on remand
Kitagwenda LC5 Chairperson Ismail Mushemeza Granted Bail after Months on Remand
By Editor
The Kamwenge Chief Magistrate’s Court has granted bail to Kitagwenda District LC5 Chairperson Ismail Mushemeza, who has been on remand since December 12, 2025.
Mushemeza was arrested by officers attached to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit on allegations of seven counts of obtaining money by false pretence. He has been detained at Kamwenge Government Prison as investigations continue.
Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, Chief Magistrate Harriet Atim Okello said the court considered the length of time the accused had spent on remand and the status of the case, which is still under inquiry.
“The court has taken into account that the accused has been on remand since 12th December 2025. The case remains under inquiry and trial has not yet commenced. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” she ruled.
The magistrate added that the court also took judicial notice of Mushemeza’s current office and the likelihood of his tenure ending in the coming months.
“By May this year, he will no longer be district chairperson, and therefore the likelihood of interfering with witnesses is minimal. The sureties presented are substantial, with personal and business ties within the area, which will ensure his attendance in court,” she said.
Court granted Mushemeza a cash bail of Shs3.5 million. He was ordered to deposit his passport, if he has one, and to seek express permission from court before travelling outside Uganda. Each of his three sureties was bonded at Shs5 million, non-cash.
Chief Magistrate Okello cautioned the accused to strictly adhere to the bail conditions.
“He must attend court whenever required. Failure to do so will attract severe penalties, and his sureties will also be held accountable,” she warned.
Mushemeza is expected to return to court on a date to be communicated once investigations are complete and trial proceedings commence.
