Buganda riot suspects denied bail after one year in Luzira

Twenty-three men arrested nearly a year ago in connection with the September Buganda riots will remain in jail after their appeal for bail was rejected. The men and several others were arrested in the wake of the riots and charged with terrorism over the torching of Nateete Police post.

The suspects were charged shortly after arrest last year before Makindye Magistrate’s Court with terrorism and remanded to Luzira Prison where they have been since. Despite various attempts by their lawyers Medard Segona and Erias Lukwago, to have them released on bail, no positive results have come through yet.

Yesterday was the second time the suspects were produced in court seeking to be released on bail pending their trial.

Test for court
While turning them away, High Court Judge Benjamin Kabiito said the test for the court was to determine whether the suspects would appear in court for trial if released on bail. “No court would be prepared to take the risk of releasing an accused person on bail indicted on serious charges unless it was satisfied that the accused person will be present to stand trial. No trial can take place when an accused person has absconded,” said Judge Kabiito.

The judge instead advised them to wait for their trial while on remand in Luzira. He added that their case is in advanced stage after being committed to High Court for trial in February.
The judge also hinted on the gravity of the charges the suspects are facing, saying they are serious as they attract death as the maximum penalty once convicted.

The ruling was delivered in bits; the first being delivered last Friday where 11 suspects were produced in court and the last group of nine was produced in court yesterday. However, two suspects were not part of those who had applied to be released on bail earlier due to different reasons.

In March, 14 of the 23 suspects, were granted bail by Judge Patrick Tabaro but it immediately ended after Makindye Court committed them to High Court for trial the same day. They were further remanded to Luzira.

The suspects are accused of attacking and setting fire on Nateete Police Station on September 10, burning it together with cars and motorcycles that were parked there. The riots were sparked off after government blocked the Katikkiro of Buganda, JB Walusimbi from visiting Kayunga District ahead of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda. This left at least 27 people dead and property worth millions destroyed.

Back at court relatives of the suspects who had camped at the premises as early as 8am with much anticipation that their loved ones would be released instead shed tears as the suspects were taken to police cells awaiting the prison bus.