28 months later, Sept. riots suspects yet to be tried

Suspects who have spent the last 28 months in Luzira Prison where they were remanded on terrorism charges in connection with their alleged participation in the September 11, 2009 riots want their charges quashed.

The group of 25, who are still awaiting trial before the High Court, are being held in connection with the riots that broke out following government’s refusal to let Kabaka Mutebi visit Kayunga District. Most of them are accused of burning Nateete Police Station. Besides the facility, a host of cars and motorcycles parked at the station were razed in the inferno.

When Daily Monitor visited the suspects at the prison last week, some complained of ill-health resulting from the long stay in detention and denial of bail.
“We have failed to access justice. We have been denied bail and access to courts,” said one of the detainees.

He added: “Some of those arrested were below 18 years. They are living without simple basics like soap. We are here serving a sentence which is not determined, and we do not know our fate and when to access justice.”

But prison authorities say that the group is pending trial after they were committed to the High Court last year. Prison spokesperson Frank Baine said: “They were removed from a session twice because of their number.”

He explained that their number was prohibitive and that the Judiciary was organising a special session for them and it was court to determine the date for their (suspects) trial.

The Judiciary spokesperson, Mr Erias Kisawuzi said the date for trial had been fixed. “I can’t remember the exact date for trial but it will be next month and Justice Owiny Dollo was assigned to try the suspect,” he said.
Mr Livingstone Ssewanyana, the executive director of Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI), described the “delayed” trial of the group as denial of their right to justice.

“It brings into question the ability of the Judiciary to deliver justice on time. But also it calls for government commitment to implement the rule of law,” said Mr Ssewanyana, who demanded expeditious trial of the suspects or unconditional release.

ekasozi@ug.nationmedia.com