Eleven National Resistance Movement supporters have been released after the state withdrew trespass charges against them. The group was arrested on September 9 after returning to State House Nakasero to follow up on a petition they had sought to deliver to President Yoweri Museveni. They were held at Luzira Prison until their release on Wednesday. The state attorneys informed Buganda Road Chief Magistrates' court that the charges would no longer be pursued.
The group, comprising various professionals and businesspeople, was initially allowed onto State House premises but later accused of remaining there to intimidate or annoy Special Forces Command soldiers. The 11 accused persons denied these allegations. They were remanded to Luzira for two weeks pending their court appearance. The charges were withdrawn by state attorneys Ayubu Kamba and Allan Mucunguzi, leading to the dismissal of the case.
Senior principal grade one magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko ordered the release of the accused after the state withdrew the charges. The freed supporters include Stephen Okello, a teacher; Iddi Kigozi, a manufacturer; Joan Muhaise, a businesswoman; Robert Bayiga Tumuramye, a social scientist; and Fatiah Nakamya, a businesswoman. Others released are Onesmas Tumutegereza, a businessman; Yasin Owomugisha, a businessman and parliamentary aspirant; Esther Twikirize, a student; Cledonia Musiimenta, a former district councillor and student; Caroline Arituha, unemployed; and Seth Muyambi, a former parliamentary contestant.
The incident occurred after the group visited State House on September 9 to deliver a petition. Court records indicate that their petition was received and stamped, and they were told they would be contacted for feedback. When they returned the following day without receiving a response, security personnel contacted police, leading to their arrest. The state subsequently charged them with criminal trespass.
The Special Forces Command, an elite unit of the Uganda People's Defence Forces, is responsible for providing security to the President. The group had denied allegations of intending to intimidate or annoy SFC soldiers on duty. Their release follows the withdrawal of charges by the state.
The case had been ongoing since September 9, with the group being remanded to Luzira Prison. The withdrawal of charges and subsequent release of the accused brings an end to the ordeal for the NRM supporters. The state attorneys' decision to withdraw charges led to the dismissal of the case.
The release of the NRM supporters is a significant development in the case. The group's ordeal began when they returned to State House to follow up on their petition. They were arrested, charged with trespass, and held at Luzira Prison until their release. The state withdrew the charges, leading to their freedom.
Key points
- The state withdrew trespass charges against 11 NRM supporters.
- The group was arrested after returning to State House to follow up on a petition.
- The charges were withdrawn by state attorneys, leading to the dismissal of the case.
