Three charged and remanded for staging nude protest

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has remanded three women on charges of common nuisance following a nude protest earlier in the day. They are Norah Kobusingye, Praise Aloikin Apoloje, and Kemitoma Kyenzibo.

The trio appeared before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi on Monday afternoon, where one charge was read to them. The prosecution alleges that on September 2, 2024, at Parliamentary Avenue, Kobusingye, Kyenzibo, and Apoloje, along with others still at large, staged a protest in the middle of the road while partially undressed and with messages written on their bodies.

Prosecutors argue that this act, unauthorized by law, caused public annoyance, obstruction, and inconvenience. The accused have denied the charges. State Attorney Ivan Kyazze informed the court that investigations into the matter are complete and requested an adjournment. The defense attempted to apply for bail but was unable to provide a sufficient number of sureties.

Lawyer Paul Wasswa requested a brief stand-over, but Chief Magistrate Kayizzi noted that it was late and that he was the only judicial officer available at Buganda Road Court, as others were attending a two-day training. As a result, he stated it was not possible to adjourn the matter until the following day.

Trouble for the trio started when they took to the streets to protest the rampant corruption in the country and called for the resignation of the speaker of parliament, Anita Among. They were intercepted by the police as they marched to parliament.

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