11 Politicians Detained for Alleged State House Trespass

Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has ordered the detention of eleven people, including figures associated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), on charges of criminal trespass at State House Nakasero. The accused were presented before Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa and subsequently remanded to Luzira Prison.

The group, which includes individuals identifying as teachers, manufacturers, businesspeople, a social scientist, a student, and former political aspirants, were formally charged under Section 282(b) of the Penal Code Act.

Prosecution claims that on September 9, 2026, the defendants unlawfully remained on State House premises with the intent to intimidate or annoy Special Forces Command (SFC) soldiers on duty. The accused have entered a plea of not guilty to these charges.

The incident reportedly follows an earlier visit by the group to State House to deliver a petition to President Museveni. Court documents indicate the petition was received, and the group was informed they would be contacted. However, the accused returned the next day seeking an update, which led to their arrest.

Prosecutors allege that despite having delivered their petition, the group remained on the premises, exhibiting behavior that allegedly caused intimidation or annoyance to the SFC personnel.

The magistrate has deferred the bail application and scheduled further proceedings for September 23, 2026.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)