Suspected election violence rioters charged, remanded
It's alleged that in the aftermath of the General Election on January 16, at Salama Road in Makindye, the accused were found burning tyres on the roads in such a manner as to cause danger or inconvenience to traffic.
Some of the accused persons before Makindye Court where they were charged and remanded. (Credit: Margret Zalwango)
KAMPALA - Hundreds of people, mostly youth, have been arraigned before the Makindye Chief Magistrates' Court and charged with public nuisance.
The suspects were arrested from different parts of the Kampala city suburb of Makindye, as they allegedly engaged in violent acts following the announcement of President Yoweri Museveni as the winner of the January 15, 2026, General Election.
The accused persons charged on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, evening, include;
• Moses Tamale
• Steven Mugalu
• John Ssemakula
• Abdurahaman Ssenyonga
• Ashraf Kiyingi
• John Kosodino
• Umar Sserumaga
• Matovu Ashiraf
• Hadad Musinguzi
• Alfred Zziwa
• Musa Sserwadda
• Brian Kivumbi
• Banuli Kiiza
• Henry Muwonge
• Alfred Zziwa
• Musa Sserwadda
• Brian Kivumbi
• Banuli Kiiza
• Henry Muwonge
It's alleged that in the aftermath of the General Election on January 16, at Salama Road in Makindye, a group of 11 was found burning tyres on the roads in such a manner as to cause danger or inconvenience to traffic.
It's further alleged that the accused persons were found blocking and beating road users, which abstracted and caused inconvenience to the public in the exercise of their common rights.
Another group of 16 was also charged with similar offences allegedly committed in Kibuye, also found in Makindye division.
I was arrested as I took tea
As magistrate David Magala was asking for their plea on the charges, the accused person started narrating how they were arrested.
"Your worship, I was taking tea on the veranda at home when I was arrested," Sam Kiyemba said.
Twaha Ssekimpi told the court he was arrested from a garage where he does his mechanic work.
"I agree, I was a nuisance because I was found with a bottle of waragi, but burning tyres? No..." Ivan Kiggundu said.
Kiggundu pleaded for forgiveness and pledged to kneel if need be so that he would be released, while others were yearning for bail.
The rest of the suspects seemed unbothered about the proceedings in court, looking ready to board a bus to prison.
Magala adjourned court to February 10, 2026, and remanded them to Luzira Prison.
State prosecutor Carol Opia told court that investigations are complete and requested court to set a hearing date.