Uganda court remanded three women for staging anti-corruption nude protest

KAMPALA, Uganda

Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's court in Kampala Uganda, has remanded three women on charges of common nuisance after they staged a nude protest in Kampala over government corruption.

The trio: Norah Kobusingye, Praise Aloikin Apoloje, and Kemitoma Kyenzibo took to the streets to protest against rampant corruption in the country and called for the resignation of the speaker of parliament, Anita Among. They were intercepted by police as they attempted to march to parliament.

They appeared before chief magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, who read out one charge to them which they denied.

According to the prosecution, on September 2, 2024, at Parliamentary Avenue, Kobusingye, Kyenzibo, and Apoloje, along with others still at large, staged a protest in the middle of the road. The protest involved partial nudity, with messages written on their bodies.

Prosecutors allege that this unauthorized act caused public annoyance, obstruction, and inconvenience. State attorney Ivan Kyazze informed the court that investigations into the matter are complete and requested an adjournment.

The defense attempted to secure bail for the accused but faced challenges in providing enough sureties. Lawyer Paul Wasswa requested a brief stand-over, but chief magistrate Kayizzi noted that it was too late in the day. He explained that he was the only judicial officer available at Buganda Road court, as others were attending a two-day training.

Due to these circumstances, the magistrate stated that it was not possible to adjourn the matter until Tuesday.