Two National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, Faridah Masaba and Resty Birungi, have been released from detention after spending 10 months in custody. Their release came after the state withdrew charges against them, as ruled by Nabweru Chief Magistrate, Ms. Sarah Namusobya.
Masaba and Birungi were among 11 opposition party supporters arrested on May 8, 2023, in Wakiso District and Kampala City on accusations of engaging in terrorist activities and manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Following the withdrawal of charges against Masaba and Birungi, the state added Rashid Ssebagala and Salim Ssekabembe to the charge sheet.
However, upon their release, a commotion ensued when prison warders attempted to transport Masaba and Birungi in a prison service vehicle. Their relatives and other NUP supporters protested, prompting the vehicle to stop and allow the two women to disembark.
Defense lawyer Ms. Shamim Malende criticized the actions of the prison officers, arguing that it was unlawful to release individuals only to transport them again in a prison vehicle, especially when their relatives were prepared to receive them.
