Human Rights
Court Martial Denies Bail to NUP Supporters
The General Court Martial has denied bail to six supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), prompting the deployment of military police to manage the situation. The incident unfolded in Kampala as the court rejected the bail applications of the accused, who have been in detention facing charges.
The NUP supporters had applied for bail, but the court cited ongoing investigations as a reason to deny their release. The decision led to heightened tensions outside the court, with supporters and family members expressing frustration over the outcome.
The military police were called in to maintain order as the crowd expressed discontent. Authorities sought to ensure the situation remained peaceful while addressing concerns raised by the public.
The NUP supporters are facing charges related to national security and have been detained amid allegations of involvement in activities deemed illegal by the government. Their lawyers argued that they deserved bail due to the prolonged pre-trial detention, but the court maintained that the nature of the charges required further detention.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between the Ugandan government and opposition supporters. National Unity Platform officials have criticized the government’s treatment of its supporters, claiming it reflects a broader crackdown on political dissent.
The denial of bail for the accused supporters underlines the challenges opposition groups face in Uganda, particularly when confronting charges related to national security. As the situation unfolds, the deployment of military police underscores the heightened sensitivity surrounding the case.