KAMPALA, Uganda
Uganda’s ten female human
rights defenders who were arrested on International Women’s Day in Kampala,
were yesterday released on bail.
The group, accused of inciting
violence, appeared before the LDC Grade One Magistrate, Mr Martin Kirya.
He released them on a cash
bail of Shs100,000 while their sureties were each given non-cash bond of
Shs2million.
While releasing the group, the
magistrate said suspects have the right to apply for bail as guaranteed by the
Constitution.
The magistrate also said each
suspect had presented two substantial sureties whom the State did not reject.
The matter has been adjourned
to March 29 for mention.
The accused include; Ms Jacky
Birungi, Ms Flavia Ramto Apiyo, Ms Milly Namatovu, Ms Allen Nantume, Ms
Elizabeth Namagembe Nyanzi, and Ms Sylvia Namutyaba.
Others are Ms Allen Nakiku, Ms
Phiona Nankya, Ms Stella Kyeyune, and Ms Rukia Nabasi Sserunga.
Through their lawyer, Mr
Sam Wanda, they argued in their bail application that the investigations were
incomplete and that they had substantial sureties.
Prosecution alleges that the
group and others still at large on March 8 without lawful excuse, printed words
on placards saying “police brutality must stop”, “rights of women are not
catered for”, “stop unlawful arrests”, and “end police violence”.
The group said they could not
celebrate Women’s Day when their husbands are rotting in jail over political
differences.
The activists, as a result,
asked the government to stop the arrest of their husbands and to also
release women in detention .
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