A number of purported political activists, spearheaded by the well-known human rights advocate, lawyer, and journalist Agatha Atuhairwe, have been taken into custody for allegedly organizing an unlawful protest.
According to Patrick Onyango, spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan area, multiple activists, including several lawyers connected to the Uganda Law Society, participated in this unauthorized demonstration on January 9, 2025, at approximately 9:00 a.m.
“The protesters, who gathered in two small groups, marched towards the High Court in Kampala, carrying placards that called for the release of Aaron Kiiza, who was convicted of contempt of court in the General Court Martial, and Dr. Kizza Besigye, among others,” he noted in a press statement.
Those arrested include: Agatha Atuhairwe (mobilizer), Otieno George, Toko Godwin, Mubala Akram, Norah Kobusinge, KhatondiWepuhulu S, and Aloikin Praise Opoloje.
Onyango noted that two of the arrested women, Norah Kobusinge and Aloikin Praise, had previously participated in a naked walk to parliament.
“The suspects are currently being held at CPS Kampala, and their case files are being prepared for the State Attorney and subsequent court proceedings on charges of being a common nuisance,” he added.
Eron Kiiza, a defense attorney for Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye, was taken from the General Court Martial, where he was present to advocate for his client.
He subsequently received a six-month prison sentence at Kitalya Maximum Prison for contempt of court without any hearing.
The court’s chairman, Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabe, stated that the sentence was due to misconduct.
In response, the Uganda Law Society denounced the decision and pledged to pursue legal action.
Besigye and his colleague Obedi Lutale were taken into custody from Kenya and are now facing charges for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
The pair had received an invitation to attend the book launch of Martha Karua in Kisumu, Kenya.
