A somber atmosphere enveloped the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala as families of nine National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters watched their loved ones return to the prison bus, visibly dejected, following a ruling by Justice Alice Komuhangi Khaukha.
In a decision initially scheduled for Monday but postponed, Judge Khaukha ruled that there was sufficient evidence linking the 11 accused to terrorism and the manufacture of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) as part of a plot to overthrow President Museveni.
The group is allegedly affiliated with a shadowy movement known as 'Go Slow Bobi Ahead'.
“Having considered all the evidence presented, I find that there is substantial evidence indicating each of you committed the listed crimes. You will now await the allocation of a trial judge,” Judge Khaukha announced.
According to the prosecution, the accused were found in the home of Abdul Katumba, 26, one of the suspects, on the night of May 7, 2023, in Nabweru, a Kampala suburb.
Authorities claim the group was preparing explosive devices to be used the following day in a violent riot.
When security forces arrived, the suspects allegedly refused to open the door.
One the accused, Hamidu Ssekidde, 31, reportedly attempted to flee but was apprehended.
Katumba was allegedly later found hiding in the ceiling.
Two of the accused, Rashid Ssebagala and Salim Ssekabembe, are alleged to possess expertise in bomb-making.
Prosecution claims several materials used in making explosives were recovered from the premises.
Umar Magala, a former Kawempe North by-election candidate and one of the accused, was later arrested at City Hall and taken to his home, where police say additional explosive materials were found.
Magala, however, denies the allegations, claiming the police planted two soda bottles at his residence, alleging the containers held substances used in bomb-making.
Defense lawyer Zakaria Suuna criticized the prolonged legal process, which has seen most of the accused held on remand since 2023.
“I hope a trial judge is appointed soon so we can begin dismantling the so-called evidence brought by the prosecution,” Sauna said.
Meanwhile, Magala and another accused, Muhamud Kalyango, both currently out on bail, have been ordered to report to court every month starting 2nd June until a trial judge is assigned and a hearing date is set.