Three young Ugandan activists, who were remanded to Luzira Prison after staging a bold half-naked protest outside Parliament, have been granted a non-cash bail.
The activists, identified as Norah Kobusingye, Praise Aloikin Opoloje, and Kemitoma Kyenzibo, were arrested for calling for the resignation of Speaker Anita Among over alleged corruption.
On September 2, 2024, three activists were charged with causing a public disturbance under Section 148(1) of the Penal Code Act.
Appearing before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayiizi, the trio denied the charges but were sent to Luzira Prison after failing to provide sufficient guarantors for bail.
The protesters were arrested after marching half-naked near Parliament with anti-corruption messages painted on their bodies.
They were calling for the resignation of Speaker Anita Among, who has been accused of corruption.
The demonstrators, with placards denouncing corruption and demanding accountability for the Kiteezi landfill collapse, were quickly intercepted by security officers.
Despite the charges of being a public nuisance, they aimed to shed light on unchecked corruption and the government’s slow response to the landfill disaster, which left many dead and missing.
The protest symbolised frustration over corruption in Uganda, with many citizens questioning the wealth and accountability of government officials.
Social media campaigns have intensified since July 2024, demanding Speaker Among’s resignation and recent anti-corruption protests have faced harsh crackdowns from security forces.
END