UPDF Denounces Hooliganism at court martial as Bail Denial Sparks anger among NUP Detainees

The Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) has strongly denounced the recent act of hooliganism that was observed at the General Court Martial in Makindye, amid heightened tensions and growing dissatisfaction as 28 National Unity Platform political detainees were again denied bail yesterday at General Court Martial Makindye.

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Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, the spokesperson for the UPDF Defense, described the acts taken after 28 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters, including MPs, were denied bail as inappropriate and uncalled for, especially in public places like courtrooms. The UPDF's criticism illuminates the growing tensions surrounding the bail application procedure, as resentment among the jailed NUP supporters simmers below the surface. 

 “Today 15 April 2024, while the Court Martial was in session at Makindye, some members in the audience who included members of parliament and defendants in the dock displayed the most contemptuous acts of hooliganism against the honourable court-martial,” Brig Kulayigye said.
“The UPDF therefore, condemns in the strongest terms possible such acts of hooliganism and will not hesitate to request court martial authorities to take legal action against those involved. The sanctity of the court must be respected at all times,” he added.

His statement followed protests by the jailed supporters in which some were heard loudly saying they “won’t beg Museveni for freedom” as the UPDF van whisked them back to prison.
"We refuse to beg for our release from [President Yoweri] Museveni. If you want to kill us for attempting to defend our nation, that's acceptable. You want us to plead with you to release us after you detained us for attempting to shield Robert Kyagulanyi's votes [during presidential elections]! What offense have we committed? From a military van returning them to prison on remand for more over three years, one of the political detainees said, "We will not relent."

The defendants were first placed under detention after being apprehended during the December 2020 presidential campaigning on suspicion of carrying thirteen explosive devices. They were thereafter accused of being treacherous once more. The army court denied bail requests time and again, frequently on the grounds of inadequate sureties. 

Eight opposition MPs and the divisional mayor replied by offering to stand as sureties. Following the court's rejection of their parents' and wives' sureties, this occurred.
 State Prosecutor Lt. Alex Mukhana opposed bail during the most recent hearing, pointing to the counts of betrayal and unlawful possession of ammunition and quoting ASP Julius Muzigiti's affidavit. 

Additionally, he contended that the court has the authority to grant or refuse bail based on the merits of each application and all relevant facts. 
Brig Gen Mugabe read the court's decision, which stated that the bail application was dismissed. 
"...and the court decides not to give the petitioners bail. Hereby, the application is denied. He declared, "Court orders an expeditious trial of the applicants in the main case," which prompted Muhysdin Kakooza, one of the suspects, to leap from the dock in an attempt to assault the chairperson of the court. 

Kakooza was beaten by soldiers stationed in the courtroom, marking the third instance of his frustration boiling over due to delayed justice
Outrage was further stoked by Brig Gen Mugabe's decision outside the strongly guarded courtroom. Politicians and suspects' families expressed their dissatisfaction with the decision, saying they thought it was unfair.