The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Gulu has remanded Dr. Lina Zedriga, National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Northern Uganda, to Gulu Main Prison until Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to allow the State additional time to scrutinize her proposed sureties for bail.

The 64-year-old opposition figure appeared via video link from prison on Tuesday morning before Chief Magistrate Augustine Alule, but technical issues forced an adjournment.

Her defence team successfully petitioned for physical production, citing her constitutional right and lack of security risk.

Dr. Zedriga was brought to court around 11 a.m., dressed in a blue kitenge outfit, and stood among dozens of inmates in a crowded courtroom.

She faces a single count of inciting violence contrary to section 79(1) of the Penal Code Act, which she denied during her initial appearance on February 6.

The State alleges that in December 2025, while addressing gatherings in Gulu, Amuru, Omoro, and Nwoya districts, she incited members of the public to commit acts of violence against supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) based on political affiliation.

Lead defence counsel Jonathan Elotu, NUP Secretary for Legal Affairs, informed the court that the defence intended to apply for bail and had presented four substantial sureties.

He highlighted Dr. Zedriga’s advanced age, lack of prior criminal record, and the bailable nature of the offence.

“Your Worship, these four sureties understand the conditions attached to bail… It is my prayer that this court finds them substantial and considers that the accused is not a flight risk,” Elotu submitted.

He requested she be allowed to return home to her grandchildren while complying with reporting conditions.

State Prosecutor Patricia Edyedo objected to immediate bail consideration, asking for two weeks to verify the sureties’ particulars, character, and residence, citing the seriousness of the charge.

Defence lawyer Hadad Salim countered that 30 minutes—or at most two hours—was sufficient for authentication, noting the documents were issued by Local Council officials and could be cross-checked with police and prison records.

In his ruling, Magistrate Alule rejected both extremes: “I find that the two hours requested by the defence counsel are too short to conduct a reasonable identification. I grant the State until Tuesday, February 24, to respond to the bail application. The court will make its ruling soon thereafter.”

Dr. Zedriga was remanded accordingly.

The prosecution confirmed investigations remain ongoing.

The case forms part of a broader wave of prosecutions targeting senior NUP figures following the January 15, 2026, presidential election.

NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, who rejected the results and remains in hiding, polled 24.72% according to the Electoral Commission, while incumbent President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was declared winner with 71.65%.

Dr. Zedriga, a former magistrate, reportedly went missing a day after the polls and resurfaced in court on February 6.