In a significant development yesterday, Innocent Museveni Rubarondesa, a 38-year-old electrician from Rukungiri District, was arraigned in a Kampala court along with 35 other members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party.
The group, recently deported from Kisumu City in western Kenya, appeared before Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza at Nakawa Court, facing charges related to terrorist training.
Charges and Proceedings
The prosecution, led by Mr Richard Birivumbuka, detailed that between July 22 and 23, the accused travelled from various locations in Uganda to Kisumu, Kenya, allegedly to provide or receive terrorist training.
Due to the gravity of the charges, they were not allowed to enter pleas and were remanded to Luzira Prison until August 13.
Mr Birivumbuka informed the court that investigations were ongoing, prompting the remand of the group.
Present in the courtroom were notable FDC members from the Katonga faction, including interim party president Erias Lukwago and Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda.
Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Response
Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate for the FDC, responded to the charges on his X handle, stating that the detained individuals had travelled to Kisumu for a leadership workshop.
He asserted that the group had been duly cleared by Ugandan immigration and security personnel.
However, Besigye recounted that the Ukweli Pastoral and Development Centre in Kisumu, where the team was lodged, was violently attacked on the night of their arrival, leading to their brutal arrest and subsequent deportation without proper immigration procedures.
Allegations of Mistreatment
According to Dr Besigye, the group’s belongings, including computers and phones, were confiscated, and they endured torture and injuries during the arrest.
He further claimed they were held in safe houses by Uganda’s External Security Organisation (ESO) before being presented to the media as having been handed over by the Kenyan government.
Dr Besigye maintained that the group’s entry into Kenya and the workshop venue were legal, and he criticized the actions taken against them. The Monitor was unable to verify Besigye’s narrative by press time.
Statements from ESO
Earlier, Mr Paul Mugisha, ESO’s director of Liaison and Protocol, stated that the group was not under arrest but had been assessed by the ESO.
He indicated that the Kenyan authorities had contacted them regarding the group’s unclear activities.
Despite Mr Mugisha’s assertions, the group was not released, prompting Mr Lukwago to hold a media briefing, condemning the Nairobi establishment’s actions.
Lukwago announced his intention to file a protest note to Nairobi but found the State had preemptively charged the group at Nakawa Court.
Demands for Release
Mr. Lukwago demanded the unconditional release of the detained individuals, citing illegal detention beyond the mandated 48-hour period and emphasizing their lawful authorization to attend the program in Kenya.
He insisted that any charges of treason or terrorism should also apply to the FDC leaders who sanctioned the trip.
Possible Consequences
The terrorism charges carry a potential death sentence if convicted.
Names of the Accused
- Samuel Makokha, 45
- Simon Rutarondwa, 46
- Dr. George Okello Ekwaro, 50
- Charles Nkonge, 33
- Paul Kawanguzi, 42
- Nasur Din Basalirwa, 38
- Latif Waiswa Maido, 35
- Charles Bukenya Lwanga, 28
- Kitamirike Mbago Buyinza, 42
- John Kasera Mangeni, 50
- Hakim Bukenya, 29
- Peter Olinga Sozi, 46
- Walter Obanga, 38
- Moses Cankara Mwaka
- Yosia Kaigo, 35
- George Wanzige, 33
- Grace Nalunkuma, 30
- Edward Nakibinge Wassajja, 47
- Adios Denmark Beinomugisha, 29
- Ronald Muhinda, 41
- Henry Mpungu, 43
- Ronald Naguba Ssozi, 36
- Richard Tugabirwe, 32
- Sirino Okello, 39
- Owen Ahimbisbwe, 35
- Simon Peter Nsubuga
- Adam Wakabi, 42
- Conold Kimonge, 33
- Henry Buyondo, 28
- Fairuzi Ngobi, 37
- Robert Owamani, 52
- Arthur Kugumiriza, 27
- Denis Owachigiu Nono, 43
- Florence Lalam, 44
- Sarah Apale, 34
- Innocent Museveni Rubarondesa, 38
