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The Nabweru Chief Magistrates Court has decided to forward the case involving eleven National Unity Platform (NUP) party supporters facing terrorism charges to the International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court. This decision, made on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings against the accused individuals.
The suspects, consisting of nine men initially apprehended on May 8, 2023, and two others subsequently added to the charge sheet on February 20, 2024, have been named as Abdul Katumba (25), Abdallah Katumba (30), Muhamudu Kalyango, Hamidu Ssekidde (30), Sulaiman Male (39), Wilber Kairugara (26), Hamidu Muyodi (29), Issa Makumbi (39), Umar Magala (39), Rashid Ssebagala, and Salim Ssekabembe.
Chief Magistrate Ms. Sarah Namusobya, on March 5, directed the transfer of the case file to the High Court for the commencement of the trial proceedings. However, the state prosecution revealed that they are still in the process of gathering sufficient evidence to substantiate the charges against the suspects.
Ms. Shamim Malende, a Member of Parliament representing Kampala Woman constituency and a defense lawyer for some of the accused individuals, expressed satisfaction with the decision to forward the case to the High Court. She highlighted that this move would enable them to apply for bail promptly.
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“This court has forwarded the file to the High Court to enable us to apply for bail. So we are now going to the ICD to ensure that they schedule a date to hear our bail application,” Ms. Malende stated.
Moreover, Ms. Malende urged the state prosecution to expedite the legal proceedings and grant bail to her clients, emphasizing their need for medical treatment due to their deteriorating health conditions.
The arrests of these NUP supporters occurred in May of the previous year when law enforcement agencies, including the police and army, detained individuals accused of manufacturing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and engaging in terrorist activities. These allegations, according to authorities, posed serious threats to public safety and security.
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