The International Crimes Division of the High Court has granted bail to 36 former members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), each required to pay Sh2 million in cash.

The group, which includes 33 men and three women, faces terrorism charges and was extradited from Kisumu, Kenya, in August 2024. They were accused of receiving or offering terrorism training.

Deputy Head of the International Crimes Division, Lady Justice Susan Okalany, ruled on the bail application, emphasising that the offences were available.

The defendants’ legal team, led by Erias Lukwago, presented a total of 72 sureties, including high-profile figures like Dr. Kizza Besigye and MP Denis Onekalit.

The defence argued that the applicants’ constitutional right to bail, along with health concerns arising from their detention, warranted their release.

However, Chief State Attorney Richard Birivumbuka opposed the application, questioning the sureties’ credibility and emphasising the severity of the charges.

He highlighted potential risks, such as unclear permanent residences of sureties and ongoing investigations into the case.

Despite these objections, Justice Okalany set conditions for the accused: a sh2 million cash bail each, non-cash bonds of sh50 million for sureties, and the submission of all passports and travel documents to the Deputy Registrar.

Additionally, the accused are restricted from leaving Uganda without court approval and must report monthly to the Deputy Registrar for six months. If the state does not commit them for trial within this period, they will be released and their sureties discharged.

The arrests occurred on July 23rd, 2024, in Kisumu, where the group had reportedly travelled for a week-long leadership training scheduled from July 23rd to July 30th at the Ukweli Pastoral and Leadership Centre.

According to the FDC Katonga faction, the training aimed to equip young leaders with skills in leadership and communication before the party’s Delegates Conference on August 8th, 2024.

However, the group’s plans were abruptly halted when masked security personnel detained them at gunpoint. They were reportedly transported overnight to Busia and subsequently handed over to Ugandan authorities.

The External Security Organisation (ESO) later informed journalists that the arrests were prompted by the group’s involvement in “suspicious activities,” as communicated by Kenyan security officials.

Rather than being jailed in Kenya, the group was returned to Uganda following diplomatic discussions.

Outside the court, Erias Lukwago criticised the inefficiencies in the justice system, pointing out the poor quality of supporting documents provided by Local Council officials and calling for greater judicial oversight.