Uganda: Drop terrorism charges against political opposition members

ARTICLE 19 calls for the dismissal of terrorism charges against 36 individuals, predominantly people affiliated with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), an opposition party in Uganda. The charges stem from allegations that they travelled from various regions of Uganda to Kisumu, Kenya between 22 and 23 July 2024, purportedly for engaging in activities related to terrorist training. The charges against them must be dropped, and the government must carry out a comprehensive review and reform of anti-terrorism laws to align with international human rights standards and principles.

On 29 July, a Ugandan court levied terrorism charges against 36 individuals primarily affiliated with the prominent opposition party FDC. The accused were reportedly prevented from entering a plea as terrorism charges warrant a trial in a higher court due to their classification as capital offences. Consequently, they were remanded until 13 August.

According to a former presidential aspirant for the FDC party, Kizza Besigye, on 23 July, 36 individuals affiliated with the party travelled to Kisumu, Kenya for a leadership workshop. Despite clearance from both Kenyan and Ugandan authorities for their trip, the group encountered violent attacks, confiscation of personal effects including laptops and phones, alleged torture, and injuries during and after their arrest. Subsequently, they were transported back to Uganda without undergoing immigration procedures, detained incommunicado in safe houses within Uganda, and publicly presented as individuals surrendered by the Kenyan government due to their purported engagement in suspicious activity.

Before the court case, in a statement, law enforcement confirmed the detention of the 36 individuals over allegations of involvement in 'subversive activities'. Additionally, authorities admonished the behaviour of certain political party members, who they said had facilitated discrete travel and operations in foreign countries without proper authorisation.

'The judiciary should dismiss all charges against the 36 individuals related to this case and the government should refrain from employing criminal and anti-terror legislation as a means to stifle dissenting voices', said Mugambi Kiai, ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa Regional Director.

Uganda enacted the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2002 to counter terrorism and establish punitive measures for individuals orchestrating, supporting, financing, or engaging in acts of terrorism. The legislation encompasses the condemnation of perpetration, planning, and participation in terrorist activities, with potential capital consequences for those found guilty. Subsequently, the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2017 conferred discretionary powers to entities such as the Directorate of Counter Terrorism, the Counter Terrorism Police Unit, and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce to carry out law enforcement and anti-terrorism endeavours.

ARTICLE 19 calls for the abandonment of terrorism charges against the 36 individuals, and a comprehensive review and reform of anti-terrorism laws and practices to align with international human rights standards and principles. The government must also commit to safeguarding civic space in Uganda from government overreach under the guise of national security measures.