The International Crimes Division (ICD) of the High Court has granted bail to 36 members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction, who were arrested in Kisumu, Kenya, and charged with terrorism.
Each member has been granted bail at Shs2 million cash.
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, lead counsel for the accused, had submitted that the presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of the justice system, emphasizing the importance of granting bail.
“The accused are innocent until proven guilty,” Lukwago argued, highlighting the fundamental principle of the Ugandan justice system.
The 36 FDC members were arrested in July while attending a conference in Kisumu, Kenya, and were subsequently deported to Uganda. They were charged with terrorism under Section 6(1)(b) and 2(b) of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The case has sparked widespread attention, with many questioning the motivations behind the arrests.
Dr Kizza Besigye, a prominent figure in the FDC, has condemned the arrests, stating that the group suffered torture and mistreatment while in custody.
The International Crimes Division, established in 2008, is mandated to try cases related to war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, terrorism, and human trafficking.
The court’s decision to grant bail is seen as a positive step towards upholding the rights of the accused.
The case will continue on a date yet to be announced.