Lawyers for land evicted communities in Kiryandongo District have been charged and released on bond

Medium_police
Witnessradio.org | 2 July 2020

Lawyers for land evicted communities in Kiryandongo District have been charged and released on bond
 
Kiryandongo – Uganda – The seven lawyers who were rounded up and arrested by anti-riot police while interviewing victims of a forceful eviction that has resulted into displacement of over 35,000 people, have been charged and released on police bond. The arrest took place at Busaana-Kimogola village, Kakooko parish, Mutunda Sub county, Kiryandongo district on June, 30th, 2020.
 
The forceful evictions are being carried out by three (3) multinational companies namely; Agilis Partners, Great Season and Kiryandongo Sugar Limited without court actions.
 
Lawyers Kaijuka Aaron, Christine Marunga, Joan Balyerali, Brian Tuwayenga, Eric Bajole, Muhindo Morgan and Nafula Elizabeth were charged with two offenses including disobeying lawful orders and negligent act likely to spread infection of diseases.
 
Also the seven community members arrested alongside lawyers have been charged with same offenses and released on police bond respectively. Community members are; Namanya Samwiri Paulo, Tumusiime Sylvester, Sanyu Eriya, Byaruhanga Rogers, Nsubuga Ahmada, and Zironda Simon among others.
 
The arrest came at a time when lawyers defending the communities were preparing to close their submissions ahead of hearing of lawsuits filed against evictors.
 
Before and during the Covid-19 lockdown, the 3 multinational companies were dragged to court; and Masindi High Court, indicated that it would issue a hearing date on notice.

--

Witnessradio.org |1 July 2020

Seven lawyers among those arrested while investigating mass evictions by multinationals in Kiryandongo District
This afternoon, at around 15:00 hours East African time, anti-riot police rounded up and arrested 7 lawyers who were investigating circumstances surrounding the forceful eviction of over 35,000 people being disposed by 3 multinationals (Agilis Partners, Great Season and Kiryandongo Sugar Limited).
 
The lawyers arrested include Kaijuka Aaron, Christine Marunga, Joan Balyerali, Brian Tuwayenga, Eric Bajole, Muhindo Morgan and Nafula Elizabeth.
 
The arrest comes at a time when defense lawyers were preparing to close their submissions for the start of the hearing of cases.
 
Before and during the Covid-19 lockdown, the 3 multinational companies were dragged to court; and Masindi High Court had indicated that it would issue a hearing date of notice.
 
Alongside the arrested lawyers were 6 community members who were also arrested. They were being interviewed by the lawyers at the time of arrest.
 
The arrested community members are Namanya Samwiri Paulo, Tumusiime Sylvester, Sanyu Eriya, Byaruhanga Rogers, Nsubuga Ahmada, Zironda Simon and other two who hadn’t been identified at the time of writing this alert.
 
Lawyers and community member are to spend a night in cells on charges of holding unlawful assembly and neglect to spread harmful diseases.
  • Sign the petition to stop Industria Chiquibul's violence against communities in Guatemala!
  • Who's involved?

    Whos Involved?


  • 13 May 2024 - Washington DC
    World Bank Land Conference 2024
  • Languages



    Special content



    Archives


    Latest posts