Anti-Oil Activists Face Extended Remand as Bail Hearing Is Postponed

The Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court has pushed the bail hearing for several environmental activists to November 9. The delay comes after the presiding magistrate was reported indisposed, leaving the accused individuals to spend additional time on pre-trial remand.

According to their defense lawyer, Kato Tumusiime, the activists belong to the Rooted in Resistance group. They were originally taken into custody on August 31 while attempting to march toward Parliament to submit a petition addressing Uganda’s ongoing oil development projects and environmental priorities.

Tumusiime noted that his clients have already spent 64 days behind bars without a trial getting underway. Prosecutors indicate that investigations remain ongoing, and no witnesses or formal complainants have been presented in court yet. Although the defense team arrived ready to argue for bail, the absence of the trial magistrate brought proceedings to a halt.

The defense expressed frustration that another magistrate with equivalent jurisdiction could not step in to hear the application, emphasizing that personal liberty should take precedence. Tumusiime urged the judiciary to streamline processes and prevent prolonged pre-trial detentions for suspects awaiting their day in court.

For more details on this developing story, read the original report on Nile Post.