11 accused of State House trespass released after prosecution withdraws charges
The 11 had earlier been charged under Section 282(b) of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 128, which provides for the offence of criminal trespass. They had all denied the charges.
The 11 had earlier been charged under Section 282(b) of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 128, which provides for the offence of criminal trespass. They had all denied the charges. (Courtesy)
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KAMPALA — The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court has today (September 23) dismissed a criminal trespass case against 11 people, who had been remanded after allegedly going to State House Nakasero seeking to have audience with President Yoweri Museveni.
The accused persons, including Stephen Okello, Iddi Kigozi, Joan Muhaise, Robert Bayiga Tumuramye, Fatiah Nakamya, Onesmas Tumutegereze, Yasin Owomugisha, Esther Twikirize, Cledonia Musiimenta, Caroline Arituha and Seth Muyambi, were released after the prosecution informed court that it intended to withdraw the charges.
The decision followed an additional statement by the complainant and investigating officer, Herbert Tumusiime, indicating that the charges were being withdrawn.
Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court senior principal magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiiko subsequently dismissed the case and ordered the accused persons to be discharged from prison.
The prosecution had alleged that the accused and others still at large committed the offence on September 9, 2026, at State House Nakasero in Kampala.
According to the prosecution, the group had lawfully entered the premises but allegedly remained there with the intention of intimidating or annoying soldiers of the Special Forces Command (SFC) who were on duty.
The case followed an earlier incident on September 8, when a group of about 100 people reportedly went to State House Nakasero seeking to have audience with President Museveni and intending to deliver a petition.
Prosecutors had told court that the group refused to leave, prompting State House security personnel to call police. Officers from the Central Police Station in Kampala subsequently intervened, arrested and cautioned the group before releasing them.
The prosecution alleged that some members returned to State House the following day and again demanded to meet the President. They were reportedly advised to follow the appropriate procedure, but they allegedly refused to leave the premises.
Security personnel then called police, who evacuated the group from State House. The 11 were subsequently taken to court.
When the matter came up for mention today (September 23), prosecution led by Ayubu Kamba informed court that the State intended to withdraw the charges.
The accused were represented by Sayid Bwisho.