A magistrate court in Uganda has charged 36 opposition supporters with terrorism-related offences after they returned to the country from Kenya.
As stated by their legal representatives, the group, associated with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda’s major opposition parties, had gone to Kenya for a retreat focused on enhancing young leaders’ leadership and communication skills.
However, the prosecution claims that on July 22 and 23, 2024, the suspects travelled from different parts of Uganda to Kisumu, Western Kenya, with the alleged intention of participating in terrorism training. Rusoke Kituuma, the spokesperson for the Uganda police, says that authorities are working closely with their Kenyan counterparts to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
“These persons were engaged in covert activities suspected to be subversive, drawing the attention of Kenyan security forces. We are collaborating closely with our Kenyan counterparts to investigate this matter thoroughly,” he said.
In response to the accusations, Erias Lukwago, the Lord Mayor of Kampala Capital City and legal representative for the accused, has characterised the allegations as “ridiculous.”
The FDC has reported that the accused’s personal belongings, including their computers and phones, were seized during their detention in Kenya.