A Grade One Magistrate on Tuesday directed that National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter Sauda Madada receive urgent medical attention after her health deteriorated while in detention.
Magistrate Damalie Agumasiimwe made an unannounced visit to the court holding cells following reports that Madada, who has spent more than two months on remand, had been seen vomiting blood.
Madada is among a group of NUP supporters arrested for allegedly staging an unsanctioned birthday parade in honour of party president Robert Kyagulanyi.
After inspecting the cells, Agumasiimwe ruled that Madada was not fit to appear in court and ordered her immediate transfer to a health facility.
“Given the gravity of her condition, the court cannot proceed while one of the accused is unwell. Her right to life and medical care must be respected,” the magistrate said, underscoring the judiciary’s responsibility to safeguard detainees’ welfare.
Human rights advocates and NUP officials have repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of political detainees, urging authorities to ensure access to medical care and timely legal proceedings.
Madada’s condition has renewed scrutiny over standards in detention facilities and fuelled calls for expedited review of cases involving opposition supporters.
