Raj Abrar: A Ugandan judge yesterday granted bail to 12 opposition politicians, including popular songwriter Robert Kyagulanyi, who have been charged with treason over their alleged role in the stoning of President Yoweri Museveni’s convoy this month.
Kyagulanyi’s lawyer alleged that his client has been left unable to stand after being beaten while in detention, citing relatives who visited him. However, the Ugandan government claimed the accusation is “rubbish”.
The detention of Kyagulanyi and other politicians critical of Museveni sparked two days of anti-government demonstrations in the capital Kampala and other parts of Uganda last week. The 12 deny the charges against them.
Bail was set for each applicant at 5 million Ugandan shillings ($1,340), payable if they fail to show up again in court.
Kyagulanyi, a popular musician, has composed songs whose biting criticism of Museveni’s government have won him a large youth following.
Protesters and opposition supporters accuse Museveni, in power since 1986, of stifling dissent through intimidation, beatings and detentions, charges which his government denies.
Last October, when parliament was debating whether to remove a constitutional age limit that would have barred Museveni – now aged 74 – from seeking re-election in 2021, security forces and protesters clashed on the streets and two protesters died.
The presidential age limit has since been removed.
-Source: Reuters