By KAMPALA – The Buganda Road Court has granted bail to Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura and four other opposition activists after spending three weeks on remand at Luzira Prison on charges of public nuisance.
Presiding magistrate Winnie Nankya ruled in favor of their bail application, setting a non-cash bail of UGX 500,000 for each accused individual. Their sureties were required to sign a non-cash bond of UGX 1 million.
The court made its decision despite objections from the prosecution, which had opposed the bail on grounds that the accused were “too rowdy” and their sureties were unreliable.
Lead prosecutor Allan Mucunguzi argued that the sureties could not guarantee the accused’s return to court, citing their history of political activism and public demonstrations. However, defense lawyers strongly objected, labeling the prosecution’s remarks as demeaning and prejudicial. They successfully convinced the court that the sureties were credible and responsible individuals.
The other accused individuals who were granted bail include:
- Ingrid Turinawe – a prominent opposition mobiliser and leader in the women’s league,
- Faridah Nangonzi,
- Phiona Kyabayinza,
- Shadia Namubiru.
The group was arrested on Ben Kiwanuka Street in Kampala while protesting the continued detention of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Their demonstration was part of the ongoing activism by opposition supporters demanding the release of political detainees.
Their bail hearing had initially been scheduled for last week but was postponed due to a standoff with prison authorities. The accused reportedly refused to leave the remand home unless they were allowed to wear their activism T-shirts, which bore messages in support of Dr. Besigye.
The courtroom was filled with supporters of the opposition group, Freedom, who eagerly awaited the ruling. Upon their release, the courtroom erupted into cheers, celebratory chants, and political songs, as activists expressed their joy and solidarity.
The accused have been ordered to return to court on April 23, when the case will resume.
