Ntungamo Chief Magistrates court has granted bail to state Minister for labour Mwesigwa Rukutana after spending a week on remand at Kitalya prisons.
MP Rukutana is charged attempted murder, assault, malicious damage to property and threatening violence.
The Chief Magistrate, Ms Sarah Mponye Kolya,last week objected Rukutana’s bail application on grounds that she needed more time to study his case and that Mr Rukutana would stay on remand until September 15 when she hopes to deliver her ruling.
Upon his released court ordered Mr Rukutana to deposit UGX 4m in cash ,his current travel passport and each of his surities who included former Minister for information Jim Muhwezi, Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, Rubaare businessmen Ali Muteeba and Bob Kabobero each 50m non cash.
According to the charge sheet, Mr Rukutana assaulted Julius Nuwamanya and inflicted actual bodily harm. Mr Rukutana also allegedly damaged a vehicle belonging to Mr Moses Muhumuza.
The prosecution further contends that Mr Rukutana and others still on the run threatened violence against Mr Muhumuza, Mr Nuwamanya, Mr Stuart Kamukama, and Mr Rweiburingi.
Mr Rukutana and his escorts were arrested on Saturday on allegations of shooting and injuring Mr Rweiburingi in an election-related brawl.
The victim is a supporter of Ms Naome Kabasharira who defeated Mr Rukutana in last Friday’s NRM party primaries in the race for Rushenyi County parliamentary flag bearer.
However, the prosecution has maintained the charge of attempted murder against Mr Rukutana.
His lawyers led by Owen Murangi and Gaston Kamugisha said that it was unfair for court to keep their client in prison for that long when is he is sickly adding that even his case is bailable.
Mr Rukutana heard his case through digital transmission of zoom.
