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The accused were charged with being a common nuisance
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Ten people charged last week with allegedly disturbing public peace during a demonstration have been released on bail. Buganda Road Court, presided over by Grade One Magistrate Jalia Basajjabalaba on July 29, 2024, granted each of the accused a cash bail of sh100,000, while each of their sureties is to execute a non-cash bond of sh300,000. The demonstration, organized by youth in Kampala to march to Parliament as part of an anti-corruption campaign, was stopped by the police on July 23, 2024, leading to the arrest and subsequent charging of the protesters in court. The accused were released on bail after their lawyers, led by Uganda Law Society President Bernard Oundo, assured the court that the accused would not abscond from their trial if granted bail.
Oundo emphasized that the accused are still presumed innocent and that the offense with which they are charged is bailable by the Chief Magistrate’s Court. He further stated that the accused would not interfere with the investigations or prosecution witnesses if granted bail. "Your worship, this offense is bailable, and we pray that this court finds the sureties presented to be substantial and grants bail to the accused persons," Oundo said.
The accused are Robert Maseruka, Eddy Kayaga, Abdul Rahman Ssagala, David Anderson Onyango, Ashiraf Kanunu, Jeremiah Kato, Shabil Abdul Majid, Innocent Mutibwa, Vian Muwonge, and Abdul Bast Najib. The prosecution, led by Senior State Attorney Shiphrah Nidoi, did not object to the bail application.
After listening to Oundo’s submission, Magistrate Basajjabalaba ruled, “This court finds that the sureties presented by the accused are substantial and hereby grants the accused bail.”
The accused were charged with being a common nuisance, contrary to Section 148 (1) of the Penal Code Act. The offense of common nuisance carries a penalty of up to seven years in jail upon conviction.
The prosecution alleges that on July 23, 2024, the accused conducted a procession in the middle of Kampala Road while carrying placards, an act which was unauthorized by law, causing annoyance, obstruction, or inconvenience to the public in their exercise of common rights. The accused denied the charges.
Nidoi informed the court that investigations into the matter are complete and that the state is ready to present evidence against the accused. The case was adjourned to August 29 for mention.
Torch Media Africa
