(Kampala) – The International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala has released 36 members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction on bail. Justice Susan Okalany granted the bail on October 31, 2024, setting a cash bail requirement of UGX 2 million for each accused, after determining their sureties as adequate.
Among the sureties was FDC founder Dr. Kizza Besigye, each surety posting a non cash bond valued at UGX 50 million. Justice Okalany emphasized that, as terrorism is a bailable offense, each applicant qualified for bail. She instructed the accused to deposit their passports and other travel documents with the deputy registrar, Juliet Hatanga. Additionally, she directed that none of the accused may leave Uganda without court permission, with the deputy registrar notifying immigration authorities of these travel restrictions due to Uganda’s open borders.
Justice Okalany also mandated that the defendants report monthly to the deputy registrar.
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash Bail | UGX 2 million per accused |
| Non-Cash Bond for Sureties | UGX 50 million |
| Passport Requirement | To be deposited with the court |
| Travel Restriction | Court permission required to leave Uganda |
| Reporting Requirement | Monthly to the deputy registrar |
Justice Okalany ordered the prosecution to complete investigations within six months and prepare the necessary documents to send the accused to the High Court for trial. Should this timeframe not be met, the accused will be automatically released from Luzira Prison.
The group, consisting of 33 men and 3 women, includes professionals such as engineers, teachers, students, and businesspersons. They were extradited from Kenya in July 2024 and subsequently charged with terrorism at Nakawa Chief Magistrates’ Court. According to the Anti-Terrorism Act, a conviction on terrorism charges could lead to a maximum death sentence.
The prosecution alleges that the accused traveled to Kisumu, Kenya, in July 2024 to either participate in or receive terrorist training.
| Profession | Accused Individuals |
|---|---|
| Engineers | Charles Lwanga Bukenya |
| Lawyers | Paul Kawanguzi |
| Drivers | Denis Nono Owachigiu |
| Students | Charles Nkonge, Moses Cankara Mwaka, Adios Beinomugisha |
| Teachers | Yosia Kaigo, Richard Tugabirwe, Sirino Okello, Florence Lalam |
| Businesspersons | Samuel Makokha, Nasur Din Basalirwa, Latif Maido Waiswa |
| Artists & Filmmakers | Henry Buyondo, Conold Kimonge |
| Self-employed & Peasants | Arthur Kugumisiriza, John Mangeni Kasera, Walter Obang |
| Others | Islamic University student, Gulu University student, Masons |
