Ugandan Government Accused of Misusing Terrorism Charges to Silence Dissent

In Uganda, political actors and lawyers are accusing the government of using terrorism charges as a political tool to silence dissent. The accusations come as several opposition leaders have been charged with terrorism, but none have been convicted.

According to the Anti-Terrorism Act 2002, terrorism is a capital offence punishable by life imprisonment. However, critics argue that the charges are not being preferred judiciously, as no political face has been convicted on the same.

Nicholas Opiyo, a lawyer and human rights activist, claims that the charges are being used to settle political scores. "These charges have been preferred on Dr Kizza Besigye and since they are being used to settle political scores," Opiyo said. "It’s a weapon for government. So there is trivialisation and weaponisation for political reasons."

George Musisi, a lawyer who has defended individuals on charges of terrorism, agrees that the rate at which the charge is being preferred on political opponents is worrying. "Terrorism is such a hard, tricky charge with a lot of limitations and once you’re charged with that, even bail is hard to get," Musisi said. "Over time its sanctity here will die out. You haven’t successfully convicted anybody in the political arena but you continue to charge them. If not witch-hunt what is that?"

The government, however, maintains that the strength of suspicion is what informs arrests. Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi denied any influence from the state, saying that the government cannot choose laws to fight opponents. "Let political actors not hide behind parties and politics not to be arrested when they commit crimes," he said.

Several opposition leaders have faced charges of terrorism and treason concurrently. Former presidential candidate and Opposition leader Dr Besigye was charged with terrorism in 2005 and the Constitutional Court trashed the same in 2010. In 2021, the government again dropped charges of treason against Dr Besigye.

National Unity Platform principal Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, was charged with terrorism in 2018 and later in August 2018 the charges were dropped. Other opposition leaders, including Michael Kabaziguruka, Francis Mwijukye, and Francis Zaake, have also faced similar charges.

The accusations have sparked concerns about the government’s use of terrorism charges to silence political opponents. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will address the concerns or continue to use the charges as a tool to maintain its power.