Lawyers representing eight anti-EACOP activists have condemned the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road after it further remanded their clients to Luzira Prison.
The activists, operating under the umbrella group Rooted in Resistance, appeared in court on Friday over charges of common nuisance linked to their August protest against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP).
The court adjourned the matter to March 16, 2025, ordering that the students remain on remand.
Shortly after the hearing, defence lawyer Samuel Wanda expressed disappointment over what he described as uncertainty surrounding the next hearing date and the continued detention of the accused.
“They came up today just to inform us of the adjourn date. Surprisingly, even the magistrate was not certain if the next hearing on March 16 will proceed. It is disappointing, and she risks condemning the accused simply for speaking out on justice, which I find very problematic,” Wanda said.
Wanda argued that the case should not be treated as an ordinary matter, noting that the students have been in custody since August 1, 2024.
“The magistrate cites the principle of first in, first out. I agree, but that should apply to those on bail. These are young students who have already spent months in custody,” he said.
He also criticized the State for failing to establish the elements of the offence even at the preliminary stage.
“I know they are innocent, because the State has failed to prove any part of the alleged offence. Yet the magistrate put them on their defence. We believe they will be acquitted, so it would be unfortunate for them to spend nearly a full year in custody,” Wanda added.
The charge of common nuisance carries a maximum sentence of one year, raising concerns that the activists could serve a full sentence in remand even if eventually acquitted.
Another defence lawyer, Bod Barigye, condemned the court’s handling of the matter, arguing that the activists were being punished for raising environmental concerns.
“This is very disappointing. We are protecting wetlands, water sources, and Lake Victoria. Is it a crime to demand clean water? These students are paying a heavy price simply for speaking out about environmental dangers,” Barigye said.
The eight activists are part of a broader wave of arrests targeting individuals who have protested against the EACOP project in recent months.
