The High Court of Uganda has granted bail to Hajji Ali Mwizerwa, a 50-year-old man accused of aggravated defilement of his 14-year-old stepdaughter.
Judge Isaac Muwata granted a cash bail of 2 million shillings and a non-cash bond of 10 million shillings for Mwizerwa’s sureties.
Mwizerwa, who has been on remand for over 55 days, was ordered to deposit his passport with the court and not travel outside the jurisdiction without permission.
He was also ordered to report to the Deputy Registrar of the Criminal Division every last Monday of each month, starting January 27, 2025.
The judge noted that despite the seriousness of the offense, Mwizerwa enjoys the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of the criminal justice system.
The state had objected to Mwizerwa’s bail application, citing concerns that he might interfere with investigations or intimidate the victim. However, the judge ruled that these concerns were not substantiated with evidence.
Mwizerwa’s health was also a factor in the bail decision, as a medical report from Murchison Bay Prison revealed that he suffers from chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and mild anemia.
The judge considered this a serious condition that may require medical attention outside of the prison facility.
