The hearing of bail application by Makerere University students accused of holding an ‘unlawful procession’ has failed for the second time, drawing criticism from some members of the public including Makerere University researcher, Dr. Stella Nyanzi.
The four, Edmund Kahigi, Roy Rugumayo, Steven Ariho and Hannington Magarura were arrested at Buganda Road Court on May 10, when they held a protest demanding for the release of Dr. Nyanzi, who was then on remand at Luzira charged with cyber crimes that include offending the ‘First Family’.
The quartet arrived at Buganda Road Court today for their bail application before magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu, but the case was adjourned to Wednesday for both hearing and trial. Nonetheless, their efforts appear to have paid off as Dr. Nyanzi, who had been in detention for over a month was released on bail the same day they protested.
And today Nyanzi was among the people who turned up at court to show her empathy and she just couldn’t hide her disappointment.
“I am seated on a wooden bench on the side of freedom in Buganda Road Magistrates’ Court, in solidarity with the four students of Makerere University who were arrested on 10th May 2017 for holding a peaceful demonstration against my own arrest and imprisonment. Shame on Uganda for arresting and intimidating brainy daring thinkers who hold peaceful protests against Museveni’s dictatorial family-rule,” she fumed.
“The four students were denied bail and instead remanded to the ugly underbelly of the state called Luzira Prison. Imagine imprisoning university students for exercising their constitutional rights to hold peaceful demonstrations!”
Reacting to the continued remand of the students, Makerere University LC5 Councillor Doreen Nyanjura had no kind words for the magistrate.
“The four Makerere University students have yet again been sent back to Luzira Prison, these students have already missed course works and tests, they begin exams this Friday! Two weeks back the Magistrate, Kamasanyu Elizabeth denied them bail because she was tired and yet she also had a report to present in the High Court! Today, this very arrogant Magistrate denied the students bail because she wants to handle the trial and bail application at the same time!”
The students are represented by Legal Aid boss, Isaac Semakadde.
