By Okumu Langol Livingstone
Photos: YouTube Screenshots\Okumu Livingstone Langol
There was a tense stillness inside the Gulu High Court Circuit on Tuesday as the Gulu Chief Magistrate granted bail to Dr. Linda Zedriga, Vice President for Northern Uganda of the National Unity Platform (NUP), after she had spent 40 days in detention.
The case file, No. 63/2026, was read before the court as supporters and family members looked on.
Among them was Dr. Zedriga’s young daughter, Mundaru Marcy Grace, who had traveled approximately 180 kilometers from Arua City to Gulu to attend her mother’s hearing. Speaking afterward, she described the emotional and economic toll of her mother’s arrest.
“When my mother, Dr. Linda Zedriga, was abducted from her birth room, we lived in fear,” she said. “You don’t know where your person is. You don’t know what has happened to her. We were only thinking about her.”
She added that the detention created financial hardship for many children whose school fees her mother had been supporting.
“When she was taken, it caused economic problems. The children she was helping could not continue school. Now she is free. We want to start again from where she left off. We thank the people of West Nile who stood with us. We also thank the clergy of the Arua Archdiocese. Today, we are happy.”
40 Days In Ugandan Detention: Prosecution Challenges Sureties
Before bail was granted, the state prosecutor strongly opposed the application. She argued that two of the proposed sureties — Secondo Abok and Kelly Komakech — lacked formal employment letters to verify their workplaces.
The prosecutor further contended that the two nuns from the Arua Catholic Archdiocese did not present documentation from the Catholic Bishop or parish authorities recommending them as sureties. She argued that without such documentation, it would be difficult for the court to trace them should Dr. Zedriga fail to appear.
The prosecutor also raised a possible conflict of interest, alleging that one of the nuns is related to Dr. Zedriga.
“Therefore, it would be difficult for the honorable court to trace them if the accused jumps bail,” the prosecutor submitted, urging the court to reject the application.
40 Days In Ugandan Detention: Defense Pushes Back
Defense counsel Okwera William Jefferson dismissed the prosecution’s objections, arguing that the state appeared to be prejudging the case despite Dr. Zedriga having pleaded not guilty.
He challenged claims that she would interfere with investigations, commit further offenses, or engage in political treason if released.
“My Lord,” he submitted, “Section 77/75 of the Magistrates Courts Act clearly outlines the considerations for granting bail. The sureties must be responsible members of society with traceable places of residence.”
He noted that all four sureties had provided introduction letters endorsed by Local Council I authorities from their respective villages, sub-counties, and districts, confirming their places of residence and standing in the community.
“The sureties have known the accused for many years,” he argued, adding that some had worked with her politically.
40 Days In Ugandan Detention: Court’s Ruling
At 11:15 a.m. East African time, the Chief Magistrate adjourned proceedings until noon to prepare the ruling. When court reconvened, the state prosecutor was initially absent.
By 2:00 p.m., Gulu Chief Magistrate Augustine Alule delivered his decision.
He affirmed that under Uganda’s Constitution, an accused person has the right to apply for bail. However, he emphasized that bail is not automatic and must be considered based on the circumstances and the adequacy of the sureties.
“I have addressed my mind to the submissions of the state prosecutor and to the person of the accused,” the magistrate ruled. “The most important consideration is whether the sureties are present and whether they meet the requirements of the law.”
Finding the sureties satisfactory and dismissing the objections as insufficient to warrant denial, the magistrate granted bail.
Dr. Zedriga was released on non-cash bail of UGX 10 million (approximately $2,800). Each of the two sureties was bonded at UGX 1 million (approximately $280).
She is scheduled to reappear in court on March 24, 2026.
After 40 days in detention, the opposition leader walked free — greeted by supporters who had waited hours for the ruling.
