Jinja: A recent incident in Jinja district took a new turn as three individuals, including Buyengo town council councilor Samuel Akalyamawa, Martin Emiriat, the Butamiila Parish Internal Security Officer, and Swaibu Kajo, were apprehended for their alleged involvement in a peaceful demonstration against stone quarry activities in their area. The demonstration, which authorities labeled as an illegal gathering, aimed to address concerns about property damage, destruction of homes, and health-related distress caused by quarry explosions.
The suspects were subsequently brought before Jinja Grade One Magistrate court, where they were remanded to Kirinya prison until August 29 on charges of inciting violence. Despite claims of assault during their arrest, Magistrate Yafeesi Ocieng denied their plea for bail, stating that they could access medical care within Kirinya prison.
On Tuesday, amidst a crowd of Jinja district residents demanding justice, the trio was granted cash bail of shs. 300,000 each. The court confirmed six subsequent sureties, each required to pay a non-cash amount of one million shillings. The case was adjourned to September 26, 2023, for further hearing.
Ayub Nampala from AHA company advocates, the defense lawyer for the accused individuals, expressed confidence in the delivery of fair justice to his clients, who he claims were subjected to assault during their arrest. Magistrate Ocieng advised the suspects and their legal team to follow proper legal procedures if they wish to address the alleged assault.
According to Counsel Abdurahman Mujoma, one of the defense lawyers, a person convicted of inciting violence could face a minimum sentence of six million or a maximum sentence of three years. The Jinja district council speaker, Ms. Monica Namukose Kamagu, commended the court for granting bail to individuals she deemed to have special responsibilities in the community.
