Uganda - July 2024

On 29 July 2024, Ugandan authorities charged 36 opposition party members with terrorism-related offences. Those charged included members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda’s biggest opposition parties. The 36 people received the charges after they were deported from Kenya, where they had travelled to attend a training course. The prosecution alleged that the 36 individuals had travelled to Kenya with the intent to provide or receive terrorism training. During their arrest, the police are alleged to have beaten and tortured the opposition members. The accused were reportedly unable to enter a plea, as terrorism charges are classified as capital offences, requiring trial in a higher court. Human rights organizations expressed deep concern, accusing the government of weaponizing terrorism laws to silence dissent.

Sources: Reuters, Uganda Police Force, DW, Article 19