In a significant development, Buganda Road Court has granted bail to Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura and four others after they spent three weeks in Luzira Prison on charges of public nuisance.
The group was arrested during a protest demanding the release of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye.
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Bail Granted Amidst Prosecution Objections
Presiding Magistrate Winnie Nankya released the accused on non-cash bail of Shs 500,000 each, with their sureties required to post a non-cash bond of Shs 1 million. The court found the sureties substantial, despite objections from the prosecution.
Lead prosecutor Allan Mucunguzi argued that the sureties could not guarantee the accused would return to court, describing the group as “too rowdy” to be compelled.
However, defense lawyers countered these remarks as demeaning and successfully convinced the court of the sureties’ credibility.
Who Are the Accused?
The group includes prominent opposition figures:
- Doreen Nyanjura, Deputy Lord Mayor of Kampala
- Ingrid Turinawe, opposition mobilizer and women’s league icon
- Faridah Nangonzi
- Phiona Kyabayinza
- Shadia Namubiru
They were arrested on Ben Kiwanuka Street in Kampala while protesting the continued detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye.
A Delayed Bail Hearing
The bail hearing, initially scheduled for last week, was delayed after the accused reportedly refused to leave the remand home without their activism T-shirts, which bore messages in support of Dr. Besigye.
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Celebrations in Court
Supporters of the opposition group Freedom packed the courtroom, eagerly awaiting the ruling. Upon the announcement of their release, the crowd erupted into celebratory political songs, cheering the freedom of their colleagues.
What’s Next?
The accused are expected to return to court on April 23 for further proceedings.
