FDC terror suspects bail hearing for today

KAMPALA - The bail hearing for 36 members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction, charged with terrorism, is scheduled for today, October 31, 2024, at the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala city.

In the last session (October 2, 2024) presided over by grade one magistrate Jonathan Tiyo, the accused’s lawyer Erias Lukwago protested, saying the state had declined to release assets belonging to the accused, despite a court order, directing their release.

Grade One Magistrate Andrew Katurubuki had directed the prosecution, led by chief state attorney Richard Birivumbuka, to hand back items that he said belonged to the accused persons.

Court records indicate that these include phones and ATM cards, which were reportedly confiscated by security officers.

Lukwago requested a new order, but Tiyo explained that Katurubuki was unavailable and had instructed him to adjourn the case.

The group, which includes 33 men and three women, is battling charges of terrorism, contrary to sections 6 (1) (b) and 2 (b) of the Anti-Terrorism Act Cap 120 laws of Uganda. The offence 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.

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