Environmental activists arrested during a demonstration at Stanbic Bank in Uganda are set to spend nearly 100 days in Luzira Prison after being denied bail once again. The 12 suspects, mostly university students linked to the Students Against EACOP Uganda movement, were initially charged with public nuisance following their arrest on August 1.

The accused individuals include Teopista Nakyambadde, Shammy Nalwadda, Dorothy Asio, Shafik Kalyango, Habibu Nalungu, Noah Kafiiti, Ismail Zziwa, Ivan Wamboga, Akram Katende, Baker Tamale, Keisha Ali, and Mark Makoba. Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Winnie Nankya refused to grant them bail, arguing that the matter had progressed far enough, making bail unnecessary.

This decision came after the suspects had previously been denied bail on August 18, with the magistrate accusing some of them of participating in repeated protests and abusing bail conditions. On September 5, the court session was adjourned after three state witnesses testified that they had observed several of the activists participating in multiple anti-EACOP demonstrations.

Defence lawyer Kato Tumusiime criticized the continued refusal to hear the bail application, stating that it undermined the rights of the accused and created an impression of predetermined guilt. The activists have appeared in court again on October 1 and October 25, with bail still refused. The court will determine next month whether the group has a case to answer.

The activists have been holding demonstrations at various locations in Kampala, including Parliament, embassies, and commercial banks, urging institutions to withdraw support from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) due to environmental concerns. Government officials and project backers have dismissed these concerns, insisting that the pipeline will help transform Uganda’s economic outlook once oil production begins.

The case will return to court on November 6, at which point the group will have spent 98 days on remand. The defence team has vowed to continue representing their clients lawfully, arguing that denying people bail for nearly 100 days on a relatively small case is unfair. The outcome of this case will be significant, as it may set a precedent for the treatment of environmental activists in Uganda and the handling of cases related to the EACOP project.