Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court Remands Journalist Faizafabz and Influencer Over Peaceful Demonstrations

Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court has remanded five young people, including prominent social media personalities @beewol and @Faizafabz, on charges of common nuisance and being idle and disorderly. The charges stem from their alleged participation in today’s peaceful demonstrations.

The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Agnes Alum, heard that the accused were part of a group protesting against government policies and alleged corruption. Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, police arrested the five individuals, citing disruptions to public order.

The defendants, whose real names are Beewol Lumonya and Faiza Fabz, were presented in court alongside three other youths. They were charged with causing a common nuisance and being idle and disorderly, charges that have been criticized by human rights activists as a means to stifle dissent.

During the brief court session, the defense counsel argued for the immediate release of the accused, emphasizing their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. However, the prosecution countered that the accused had disrupted public peace and needed to be held accountable.

Chief Magistrate Alum adjourned the case to July 30, 2024, for a bail application hearing. Until then, the accused will remain in remand at Luzira Prison.

Outside the courthouse, supporters of the accused gathered in solidarity, chanting slogans demanding their release and calling for greater respect for human rights. The arrest and subsequent remanding of these young activists have drawn widespread condemnation from civil society organizations and the general public.

Human Rights Watch has called on the Ugandan government to respect the fundamental rights of its citizens and to cease using legal systems to intimidate and silence activists. They have also urged the international community to monitor the situation closely.

The peaceful demonstrations, which took place across various parts of Kampala, were organized to protest against alleged government corruption and to call for greater transparency and accountability. The protests were largely peaceful, although there were reports of police using excessive force to disperse demonstrators.

As the country awaits the bail hearing on July 30, the situation remains tense, with activists and supporters of the accused vowing to continue their struggle for justice and human rights in Uganda.