Kampala |Ugandan police arrested journalist and human rights activist Agather Atuhaire, Godwin Toko, and others on Thursday after they staged a protest in Kampala.
Along with Agather and Toko, others arrested include Othieno George, Mubale Akram Obed, Soita Khatondi, Aloikin Praise Opoloje, and Kobusinge Norah.
The above activists were arrested near the Supreme Court in Kampala in connection with the arrest and sentencing of Eron Kizza, a fellow human rights activist and lawyer.
Kizza was one of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obed Lutale’s lawyers in the military court before being arrested by the military men hours later sentenced to 9 months for contempt of court by what he described earlier as “Kangaroo court.”
Following his sentencing, lawyers and activists, including some politicians, criticized the manner in which he was arrested and convicted.
Hours after being arrested, they were brought before Buganda Road Court on charges of “nuisance on roads” contrary to Section 65(e) of the Road Act CAP 346.
SP Ntabu Joel, officer who preferred the charge, noted that Agather, and others, on January 9, along Square Road opposite High Court of Uganda Central Division in Kampala district placed themselves as to cause danger or inconvenience to traffic.
Each was granted a non-cash bail of shs1 million.
Amnesty East Africa expressed concern about Agather’s arrest on Thursday.
“The arrests of Agather Atuhaire & 5 other protesters in Kampala represents Uganda’s continued crackdown on peaceful protest.
“While granted bail, charges must be dropped. They should not have been arrested in the first place,” it added in a brief statement.
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