FDC

A Ugandan court has charged 36 opposition supporters with terrorism-related offenses after they were deported from Kenya, where they had traveled for a training course, according to court papers seen by media. The 36 individuals, members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda’s largest opposition parties, deny the charges. Their lawyer, Erias Lukwago, described the charges as “ridiculous” outside the magistrates’ court in Kampala. The case emerges amid youth protests in both Uganda and Kenya against corruption, high taxes, and other issues. Kenyan authorities detained and deported the 36 individuals after they traveled to Kisumu, Kenya, on July 23 for a leadership and governance training course, as stated by their lawyer and party officials. During their detention in Kenya, the group reportedly had their belongings, including computers and phones, confiscated. They were also allegedly tortured, with several sustaining injuries, according to Kiiza Besigye, a prominent FDC figure and long-time opponent of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. The court charge sheet accuses the 36 of traveling to Kenya “for the purpose of providing or receiving terrorist training.” They are currently held in a prison approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Kampala. Critics and human rights activists have accused Museveni’s government of using fabricated charges to suppress opposition. Government officials deny these allegations. Museveni, 79, has been in power since 1986. Last week, security personnel detained over 100 young Ugandans for protesting against widespread government corruption. These demonstrators were inspired by youth-led protests in Kenya that compelled President William Ruto to withdraw proposed tax hikes.