The Buganda Road Court has dismissed a case against 14 members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who were charged with being a common nuisance in August 2024.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi ruled that the case could not proceed due to a lack of prosecution, as no witnesses were available to testify against the accused. As a result, the court set the 14 FDC members free.
The accused included prominent political figures such as MPs Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Kamara Nicholas of Kabale Municipality, former MP Roland Mugume, Deputy Mayor Nyanjura Doreen, Kaija Herod, Kamateneti Ingrid, and several others.
The group was arrested on 5th August 2024 at Katonga as they attempted to deliver a petition to the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala. The petition was related to terrorism charges slapped on 36 of their fellow FDC members, who had been arrested in Kisumu, Kenya.
According to the prosecution, between 22nd and 23rd July 2024, the 36 individuals traveled from various parts of Uganda to Kisumu to allegedly provide or receive terrorism training.
However, due to insufficient evidence and the absence of witnesses to substantiate the charges, the court dismissed the case, much to the relief of the accused and their supporters.
The FDC has since expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, with many of the members calling the charges politically motivated. The party has continued to call for the immediate release of all individuals charged in connection with the alleged training, maintaining that they are innocent of the charges.
This ruling has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the judicial system for upholding justice, while others view it as a significant blow to efforts aimed at suppressing opposition voices.
The Buganda Road Court has dismissed a case against 14 members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), who were charged with being a common nuisance in August 2024.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi ruled that the case could not proceed due to a lack of prosecution, as no witnesses were available to testify against the accused. As a result, the court set the 14 FDC members free.
The accused included prominent political figures such as MPs Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Kamara Nicholas of Kabale Municipality, former MP Roland Mugume, Deputy Mayor Nyanjura Doreen, Kaija Herod, Kamateneti Ingrid, and several others.
The group was arrested on 5th August 2024 at Katonga as they attempted to deliver a petition to the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala. The petition was related to terrorism charges slapped on 36 of their fellow FDC members, who had been arrested in Kisumu, Kenya.
According to the prosecution, between 22nd and 23rd July 2024, the 36 individuals traveled from various parts of Uganda to Kisumu to allegedly provide or receive terrorism training.
However, due to insufficient evidence and the absence of witnesses to substantiate the charges, the court dismissed the case, much to the relief of the accused and their supporters.
The FDC has since expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, with many of the members calling the charges politically motivated. The party has continued to call for the immediate release of all individuals charged in connection with the alleged training, maintaining that they are innocent of the charges.
This ruling has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the judicial system for upholding justice, while others view it as a significant blow to efforts aimed at suppressing opposition voices.