In a significant development, 36 members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have been granted bail by the International Crimes Division of the High Court, pending the hearing of their terrorism case.
Justice Susan Okalany set the bail at Shs 2 million each, with sureties required to provide a non-cash bond of Shs 50 million.
The court ruled that the applicants are entitled to apply for bail, considering the offense is bailable. The terms of the bail include depositing passports and travel documents with the deputy registrar and refraining from traveling outside the country without permission.
The defense, led by lawyer Elias Lukwago, argued that the applicants have a constitutional right to bail, citing deteriorating medical conditions in detention and the fact that terrorism is a bailable offense in Uganda.
The prosecution, however, objected to the bail application, questioning the substantiality of the sureties and the gravity of the case.
The 36 FDC members, deported from Kisumu City in western Kenya, face charges of receiving terrorist training. If convicted, they could face the death penalty.
They were then arraigned before the Nakawa Court on charges of Terrorism which are still being investigated by the State.
The suspects are; Samuel Makokha, 45, Simon Rutarondwa, 46, Dr George Okello Ekwaro, 50, Charles Nkonge, 33, Paul Kawanguzi, 42, Nasur Din Basalirwa, 38,Latif Waiswa Maido, 35, Charles Bukenya Lwanga, 28, Kitamirike Mbago Buyinza, 42, John Kasera Mangeni, 50, Hakim Bukenya, 29, Peter Olinga Sozi, 46 ,Walter Obanga 38, Moses Cankara Mwaka, Yosia Kaigo, 35 ,George Wanzige, 33 ,Grace Nalunkuma 30, Edward Nakibinge Wassajja 47,Adios Denmark Beinomugisha 29 ,Ronald Muhinda 41, Henry Mpungu 43, Ronald Naguba Ssozi 36 ,Richard Tugabirwe 32 ,Sirino Okello 39, Owen Ahimbisbwe 35, Simon Peter Nsubuga .
Others are; Adam Wakabi 42, Conold Kimonge 33, Henry Buyondo 28, Fairuzi Ngobi 37, Robert Owamani 52, Arthur Kugumiriza 27, Denis Owachigiu Nono 43, Florence Lalam 44, Sarah Apale 34 and Innocent Museveni Rubarondesa 38.