36 FDC terror suspects get bail

The 36 members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party Katonga faction, charged with terrorism, have been granted bail by the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala.

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, Justice Susan Okalany released each of the accused persons on a cash bail of shillings two million after finding their sureties substantial.

Each of the sureties, including FDC founder member Dr Kizza Besigye, were directed to execute a non-cash bond of shillings 50 million.

“The offence of terrorism is bailable and the court had decided to grant bail to each of the applicants,” Okalany ruled.

She ordered that the accused’s passports and travel documents be deposited in court with deputy registrar Juliet Hatanga.

Okalany ordered that none of the applicants should leave the country without getting permission from the court through the deputy registrar.

“The registrar will notify immigration authorities of the travel restrictions to prevent potential self-smuggling, considering Uganda's porous borders,” she said.

The judge directed the accused to report to the deputy registrar once a month from the date of their release.

Order to complete investigations

Okalany, however, ordered the state to complete investigations within six months and prepare committal papers for purposes of sending the accused to the High Court for trial.

“Failure to commit the accused to the International Crimes Division of the High Court for trial within six months will result in their automatic release from Luzira Prison,” she warned.

The group, which includes 33 men and three women, were deported from Kenya in July 2024 and charged with terrorism at Nakawa Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kampala.

Under sections 6 (1) (b) and 2 (b) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, the offence of terrorism attracts a maximum sentence of death on conviction.

The accused consist of engineers, lawyers, businessmen, teachers, students, Mason, and drivers.

Allegations

Prosecution alleges that the accused and others still at large between July 22 and 23, this year, travelled from various places in Uganda to Kisumu, Kenya, to provide or receive terrorist training.

Accused persons

The accused, include Simon Rutarondwa, Dr George Okello Ekwaro, lawyer Paul Kawanguzi, electrician Innocent Museveni Rubarondesa, engineer Charles Lwanga Bukenya, driver Denis Nono Owachigiu, self-employed Arthur Kugumisiriza, artist Henry Buyondo, filmmaker Conold Kimonge, mason Peter Sozi Olinga, Islamic University student Charles Nkonge, Gulu University student Moses Cankara Mwaka and student Adios Beinomugisha.

Others are teachers Yosia Kaigo, Richard Tugabirwe, Sirino Okello and Florence Lalam, peasants John Mangeni Kasera, Walter Obang, Edward Wassajja Nakibinge, Ronald Muhinda and Simon Peter Nsubuga.

The businesspersons charged with terrorism, include Samuel Makokha, Nasur Din Basalirwa, Latif Maido Waiswa, Mbago Buyinza Kitamirike, Hakim Bukenya, George Wanzige, Henry Mpungu, Ronald Ssozi Naguba, Owen Ahimbisibwe, Adam Wakabi, Fairuzi Ngobi, Robert Owamani, Grace Nalunkuma and Sarah Apale.