Critic of Ugandan president released on bail

By Halima Athumani

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Ugandan female regime critic - Stella Nyanzi has been released on bail Wednesday.

Nyanzi was arrested early April and charged with cyber harassment and offensive communication for allegedly calling President Yoweri Museveni a "pair of buttocks".

The frail looking Nyanzi, who had collapsed in court earlier in the day, listened attentively as Magistrate James Eremye read the ruling on her bail application. “Exercising my discretion, I proceed to allow the accused her bail,” he said.

Prosecutor Jonathan Muwaganya had during the hearing told the court that the State was still interested to conduct Nyanzi’s mental examination. “It’s the duty of the state through due process to help the citizens overcome challenges such as mental disorders,” he said.

Nyanzi's lawyer Nicholas Opio told journalists after the ruling: “We are happy that the court has finally released Stella on bail, we pray that the authorities do respect the orders of the court and not seek to re-arrest her.”

Nyanzi’s troubles started in February when, on Facebook, she criticized the education minister as well as the president's wife, Janet Museveni.

Nyanzi will reappear in court on May 25.