- Principal Officer II at Lira central prison Mr Samson Isabirye apologised to Court for releasing the suspects without producing them in Court.
Delights are all-over Lango sub-region after Court released 97 mothers who are fruits and vegetable vendors in Lira town.
They were arrested more than a fortnight ago by joint security forces in Lira town on allegation of breaching Presidential directives on COVID-19. Some were arrested past curfew time. They lived for days in prison.
The traders appeared before Grade One Magistrate Sausan Adelo. Some of the suspects were remanded to Amolatar government prison.
After their arrest, and photos of these female traders, many of whom breastfeeding mothers going viral on social media, a team of 14 Lawyers announced legal services on pro-bono.
The legal team were joined by human rights activists, human rights-centred organisations, among others.
Led by Counsel Dr Adams Makmot Kibwanga of Makmot Kibwanga and Company Advocates, strong legal arguments made it possible for Court and Prosecution to free the suspects.
In a statement shared via social media on Wednesday evening, Counsel Makmot Kibwanga wrote:
“Final Update on the fruit vending mothers of Lira. Mission accomplished.”
“This team of advocates pro bono group and advocacy workers, and our friends, made it possible to release every single mother /detainee.”
“In total 97 accused were set free for free. We are now networking with CSOs to extend psycho-social support.”
“Thank you Ayinet, Actionaid, Justice Centres, Center for Law and Peace (CLAP), Women Peace Initiative, Uganda Prisons, Judiciary, Uganda Law Society, Akina Mama Afrika, Makerere University School of Women and Gender Studies, Uganda Human Rights Commission, Adv. Walusimbi Nelson and the Community.”