Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and 24 other suspects facing terrorism charges appeared before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where defense lawyers challenged restrictions that prevented supporters and members of the public from accessing the courtroom.
All 25 suspects were present in court as the case was mentioned before the magistrate, with the prosecution expected to update the court on the progress of investigations into the matter.
Security around the court premises remained tight, with several supporters of Kivumbi and the other accused persons denied access to the courtroom. Many gathered outside the court compound as proceedings continued inside.
Defense lawyers raised concerns before court over the restrictions placed on supporters, relatives and members of the public who had come to follow the proceedings.
They asked the court to make a clear pronouncement on the matter, arguing that court sessions are public and should be accessible to citizens.
One of the defense lawyers, Medard Lubega Sseggona, informed the court about the difficulties faced by supporters and relatives of the accused whenever they attempt to attend the court sessions.
Sseggona also asked Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Racheal Bakhole to inform the court when investigations into the case are expected to be completed, noting that the suspects remain innocent until proven guilty.
The court session lasted several hours, and at around 11am the suspects were returned to the holding cells as proceedings continued.
The case remains ongoing, with court expected to determine the next steps as investigations into the terrorism charges continue.
