FDC Katonga Faction Women Activists Released on Bail After Three Weeks in Prison
On Monday, the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court granted the activists bail, citing their right to freedom and the bailable nature of the charges against them. Each of the five women was granted non-cash bail of UGX 500,000, with sureties bonded at UGX 1 million.
Uganda Today Edition: FDC Katonga Faction Women Activists Released on Bail After Three Weeks in Prison
Kampala, Uganda – After spending three weeks behind bars, five female activists from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction have been released on bail. The group, which includes Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura and outspoken political figure Ingrid Turinawe, was arrested while protesting the incarceration of retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye.
The activists were detained in February after staging a demonstration demanding the release of Dr. Besigye, a veteran opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate. The women carried T-shirts bearing the inscription “Kill Me, Spare Besigye” as they took to the streets in solidarity with the imprisoned politician. Their protest, which took place in the heart of Kampala, was met with a heavy police crackdown that led to their arrest.
On Monday, the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court granted the activists bail, citing their right to freedom and the bailable nature of the charges against them. Each of the five women was granted non-cash bail of UGX 500,000, with sureties bonded at UGX 1 million.
Speaking after her release, Doreen Nyanjura reaffirmed her commitment to fighting for justice, stating, “Our voices will not be silenced. Dr. Besigye’s detention is unjust, and we will continue to demand his freedom.” Ingrid Turinawe echoed her sentiments, condemning what she described as the shrinking space for political activism in Uganda.
The arrest and detention of the five women have sparked widespread debate over the Ugandan government’s handling of opposition voices. Human rights activists and opposition leaders have criticized the arrests, calling them politically motivated and an infringement on freedom of expression.
Dr. Kizza Besigye remains incarcerated on charges related to his political activities, with his supporters calling for his immediate and unconditional release. The FDC Katonga faction has vowed to escalate their advocacy efforts, warning that more protests will follow if Besigye is not freed.
The case has been adjourned to April 23, when the activists are expected to return to court for further proceedings.
Published by Uganda Today, your trusted source for news and analysis
📍 Website: https://www.ugandatoday.co.ug/about-cmk
📍 Website: https://www.ugandatoday.co.ug
📱 WhatsApp: +256 702 239 337
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @uganda43443 | @ugtodaynews
📧 Email: ugandatodayedition@gmail.com
Let’s help you grow your brand and keep your audience informed. Partner with Uganda Today—Reachout for a banner link on www.ugandatoday.co.ug
