KAMPALA, Uganda— The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has charged fifteen students from Kyambogo University following their arrest during a protest against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
The students—Simon Peter Wafula, Gary Wettaka, Martin Sserwambala, Erick Ssenkandi, Arafat Mawanda, Akram Katende, Sean Kevin Dedo, Noah Katiti, Oscar Niwagaba, Hamphrance Oundo, Benard Mutenyo, Nicholas Pele, Shadiah Nabukenya, Shafik Kalyango, and Mark Makoba—were presented before Grade One Magistrate Sanula Nabozo. They faced charges of common nuisance.
During their court appearance, some students were shirtless. Magistrate Nabozo informed them they could apply for bail if they had sureties. The students pleaded not guilty and requested a short adjournment, citing the need to retrieve their confiscated belongings and contact their families. Magistrate Nabozo, however, ordered their remand to Luzira Prison until November 26, when their case will be mentioned again.
“We need sureties to act, and if you have proof that you are students, a production warrant can be issued even tomorrow,” Magistrate Nabozo stated.
Prosecutor Allan Mucunguzi explained that investigations were still ongoing and requested an adjournment. According to the prosecution, on November 11, 2024, the students and others yet to be identified held an unauthorized procession on Parliamentary Avenue, causing public disruption.
Court documents reveal that Gonzaga Semanda, a supervisor at the Parliament’s main gate, heard the commotion around 1:30 PM. He described seeing approximately fifteen young protesters in orange T-shirts and reflectors, holding banners and placards with messages such as “No to Oil,” “Students against EACOP Uganda,” “Prioritize nature now,” and “EACOP endangers communities, stop it now.” The protest aimed to call for an end to the EACOP project and promote a shift to renewable energy sources.
