Controversial Makerere University researcher Stella Nyanzi has been remanded to Luzira prisons, following her arraignment in court today, after spending three days in detention at Kira Division police station.
Whereas many had anticipated her appearance in court today, they couldn’t take chances and people of all walks of life, mainly politicians and activists, began arriving at the station where she was held as early as 9am.
Among those were Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, Mukono Municipality MP, Betty Nambooze, former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye and former Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Wafula Oguttu.
However, these together with media were at first blocked from accessing the sation though were later let in and they had to wait until 1pm when Dr. Stella Nyanzi was finally driven away and taken to Buganda Road Court.
Here, before the hearing kicked off, Buganda Road Chief Magistrate James Ereemye first invited her lawyers led by Nicholas Opiyo and the prosecutor into a chamber session that lasted over an hour.
On their return to court, Dr. Nyanzi was charged with two counts including cyber harassment contrary to section 24 (1)(2)(a) of the Computer Misuse Act 2011 and offensive communication contrary to section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act 2011.
The State requested court to remand Nyanzi for 14 days to allow for a ‘thorough mental examination’ in Luzira.
Despite objection from her lawyers, Magistrate Ereemye remanded her to Luzira prison up to April 25.
