Remanded FDC members face death
By Our reporter
KAMPALA – Thirty-six members of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction who were on Monday, July 29, 2024 remanded to Luzira Prison on charges of terrorism face are to be hanged if convicted. According to the Penal Code if convicted, the accused individuals may face the death penalty.
Treason which includes, among other acts, waging war against Uganda, assassinating or attempting to assassinate the President, or plotting a coup against the government is a capital offense.
The group, comprising 34 men and 2 women, appeared before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court on Monday. Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza denied them the opportunity to respond to the charges due to the nature of the offence, which falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Dr Kizza Besigye, a political and human rights activist discribed the arrest is politically motivated to oppress the opposition.
“What all tyrants never seem to get is that their cruelty and injustices serve as fuel for freedom activists! These 36 FDC activists burst with energy and morale after being charged with “terrorism”- a capital offense, punishable by death! This, after a terrible experience lasting a whole week. Those not in the dock are even more invigorated!” he posted on X.
“The prosecution alleges that between July 22nd and 23rd, 2024, the group, along with others still at large, travelled from various places in Uganda to Kisumu, Kenya, to provide or receive terrorist training,” said Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka.
The group has been remanded until August 31st, 2024. Trouble began for the group on July 22nd, 2024, when they departed for a week-long training aimed at improving young leaders’ leadership and communication skills.
“We were arrested at gunpoint on July 23 by masked men, loaded onto trucks, and driven overnight to arrive in Busia at 6am on July 24,” said one of the accused.
The leadership training was intended to precede the Delegates Conference set for August 8th, 2024, where party leaders would be elected.
The arrest of the FDC members comes at a time when Kenya is recovering from violent protests caused by the controversial Finance Bill.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has stated that the Ugandan protestors were planning much worse than the “idle and disorderly” charges filed by the police.
“Museveni claimed that the police officer who preferred the charges was unaware of the intelligence he possessed, promising evidence that would shock the nation,” said a source.
On the same X platform, Jally M Karungi who belives the FDC members are guilty posted, “These are rebels who were plotting against Uganda from Kenya. FDC has had many meetings in Uganda without arrests and you’ve had private meetings at Katonga without gov’t interference. We should all agree that Kenya wouldn’t allow this on their soil. Why worry if they are innocent?”
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