Eleven youth activists were remanded to Masaka Prison after appearing in court for allegedly disrupting a political rally.
Kyazanga, Uganda - Eleven youth activists were remanded at Masaka Prison after appearing before the Kyazanga Grade One Magistrate's Court today, two weeks following their arrest for allegedly disrupting a political rally organised by Ibrahim Kitatta's faction in the area.
The accused, who have been in police custody since their arrest, faced their first court hearing before Magistrate Kayiza Abdallah. However, proceedings were abruptly adjourned until Thursday this week due to what the court described as "unavoidable administrative delays."
In a surprising move, Magistrate Abdallah ordered the defendants to be held in the court's holding cells rather than formally remanding them, as the court couldn't officially commence hearing their case. Journalists were barred from covering this unusual procedure.
Among the 13 originally arrested, two were mysteriously released without explanation, raising eyebrows among observers. David Ssebuguzi, chairman of Kanakulya Zone in Kyazanga Town Council, who attended court wearing a Busia Quarter shirt, expressed frustration:
"We demand justice for these youths. The court must investigate why some were secretly released while others remain detained."
Deogratius Ssemalye, another community leader present in court wearing a white T-shirt, warned of potential consequences: "The continued detention of these young people without a proper hearing could spark unrest. There's already growing anger in our community."
The arrests occurred during heightened political activities in the area, with Ssebuguzi alleging the detained youth were targeted for supporting opposition figures. "These youths were merely exercising their democratic rights," he claimed.
As the case adjourns until Thursday, human rights observers have raised concerns about due process, while local leaders warn the situation could escalate if not handled carefully. The unusual court proceedings and selective releases have added fuel to existing political tensions in Kyazanga.
