50 remanded to Luzira prison over anti-corruption protests 

Further chaos ensued at Nakawa and Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s courts as more youths protested the remand of their colleagues to Luzira prison.

These youths had been arrested during an anti-corruption march to parliament. Over 50 individuals were sent to Luzira prison on charges related to their alleged involvement in the anti-corruption protests that disrupted Kampala on Tuesday.

The suspects, divided into different groups and brought before various magistrates at Nakawa and Buganda Road courts, faced heavy security presence both inside and outside the court premises. They were charged with common nuisance and being idle and disorderly. All denied the charges.

Among those arraigned at Nakawa court were Thomas Kanzira, a medical doctor; Faiza Salima, a journalist; Bernard Olupot, a marketer; Hamala Edgar Barlow, a senior photographer; and Aljab Musinguzi, a resident of Nakawa Division. Chief magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidhasa remanded them until July 30.

Others appeared before grade one Magistrate Caroline Kyoshabire at Buganda Road court and were remanded until August 5, pending further investigation. This group included students, businesspeople, KCCA councillors, veterinary doctors, and other politicians.

Additionally, other suspects including renowned local movie actress Prossy Mukisa aka Nabbosa appeared before grade one magistrates Jalia Basajjabalaba and Sanula Nambozo and were remanded until August 6 and July 31, respectively.

The prosecution stated that on Tuesday, July 23, the suspects had marched along Parliamentary Avenue and Oasis Mall Nakumatt, carrying placards demanding the resignation of the speaker of parliament, Anita Annet Among. This unauthorized act, they argued, was disruptive and annoying to the public.

It is further alleged that the suspects conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace. Various lawyers, led by Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Bernard Oundo, represented the accused, with hundreds of relatives and friends attending court to show solidarity and offer surety.

Initially, lawyers from ULS were blocked from accessing and offering legal services to their clients at Wandegeya, Kabalagala, Makindye, and Kampala Central police stations.

The demonstrators, some holding placards, have been calling for the resignation of speaker Among over her alleged unabated corruption.

Security forces, comprising police and army personnel, arrested over 100 youths from various parts of Kampala. Phillip Munaabi, ULS board member in charge of Healthcare and Benevolent Fund, stated that if the protestors are demanding the resignation of one person, then that person should resign to restore normalcy.