Journalist-turned pastor Joseph Kabuleta has been released from police custody after his arrest in Kampala.

Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson Charles Twine Tuesday evening said: “The man has been released on bond as the DPP studies his case file. If the DPP determines that the evidence we have assembled is sufficient to warrant prosecution, we will rearrest [Kabuleta] when reports to police on bond and take him to court.”

Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga also confirmed the development, saying; “Yes, he has been released,”

Kabuleta was released at around 6:00pm.

Enanga said Kabuleta will be reporting to CID Kireka as investigations into his case continue.

This comes after his family petitioned the High Court seeking orders to have him produced in court or be released from detention where he has been held since last Friday on charges of offensive communication against President Museveni.

The family under counsel Walyemera & Company Advocates filed a habeas corpus (an application for production or release of a suspect) to court to order the Commandant of Special Investigations Unit, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General (AG) to produce him or release him.

Why Was Kabuleta Arrested?

Kabuleta was arrested by security men in civilian clothes at a restaurant at Forest Mall at Lugogo in Kampala last Friday. He was driven away to the police Special Investigations Unit in Kireka on the outskirts of Kampala.

Police said they were holding Kabuleta on charges of offensive communication when he allegedly used his social media account to annoy the President.

He has been publishing articles on his social media account about an alleged succession battle raging within the ruling NRM party.

 Kabuleta Supporters Storm SIU

Earlier, in the morning, Police faced a hard time dispersing several protesters at the Special Investigations Division (SIU) in Kireka demanding the release of  Kabuleta .

The protesters started assembling at the entrance of SIU around 8:30am calling for Kabuleta’s release.

Kabuleta, who has spent four nights in police custody is battling charges of offensive communication in, which he is accused of referring to president, Yoweri Museveni as a thief, gambler and liar.