Court Orders Return of FDC Suspects’ Phones, ATM Cards

(Kampala) – A court in Kampala has directed the return of personal belongings, including phones and ATM cards, to 36 members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction, who were recently deported from Kenya. The group is currently facing charges related to terrorism and has been remanded to Luzira Prison.

On September 11, 2024, Grade One Magistrate Andrew Katurubuki ordered the prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka, to return the confiscated items, which were taken by security officers during the suspects’ arrest. The magistrate stated that the accused individuals should be allowed access to their accounts to conduct essential financial transactions, such as paying school fees for their children.

According to court records, the confiscated items include mobile phones and ATM cards, which were reportedly used by security officers to contact the suspects’ relatives without permission. The accused, represented by their lawyer Brian Turinawe, also alleged that they had been subjected to torture while in custody. In response, Magistrate Katurubuki requested that a report on these allegations be presented at the next hearing, scheduled for September 25, 2024.

The court also instructed prison officials to allow family visits to the accused, ensuring that relatives can maintain contact during the legal proceedings.

Chief State Attorney Birivumbuka informed the court that investigations are still ongoing and require cooperation from Kenyan authorities through mutual legal assistance, as the suspects were initially arrested in Kisumu, Kenya.

The 36 accused individuals, including three women, face charges under Uganda’s Anti-Terrorism Act, specifically section 6 (1) (b) and 2 (b). If convicted, the offence carries a maximum sentence of death. The group, which includes engineers, lawyers, businesspeople, teachers, and students, was arrested in Kenya last month on allegations of providing or receiving terrorist training.

Prosecutors allege that between July 22 and 23, 2024, the accused traveled from different parts of Uganda to Kisumu for the purpose of engaging in terrorist training activities. Those still at large remain under investigation.

The accused individuals include a variety of professionals and tradespeople, such as Simon Rutarondwa, Dr. George Okello Ekwaro, lawyer Paul Kawanguzi, Innocent Museveni Rubarondesa, Charles Lwanga Bukenya, and driver Denis Nono Owachigiu, among others.

Their arrest comes amid ongoing violent protests in Kenya over a controversial Finance Bill, which has sparked widespread unrest. The protests, largely driven by opposition to increased taxes, have resulted in the destruction of property, including part of the Kenyan Parliament, with damages valued at billions of shillings.

The court’s decision to return the accused’s personal items comes as the legal process continues, with further hearings expected to address the allegations and the progress of the investigation.