Terrorism Charges for Rioters in Uganda

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni

Charges of terrorism have been brought against 29 people in Uganda for their role in this month’s violent riots. These charges do carry the death penalty. Those that have been charged belong to a larger group who have been detained by police after the unrest’s. The riots emanated from the refusal by police to allow the Buganda people from attending a festival. The government is claiming that the charges are justified and not politically motivated.

The rioters had attacked police stations carrying guns and one constable was killed. They resorted to blocking roads, burning vehicles and looting shops accorded to security officials. In Uganda, the law stipulates that if you are caught in possession of firearms without a license, that tantamount to terrorism. According to the government, The National Resistance movement is responsible for instigating the riots as they are seen as solid supporters of the Buganda ethnic group.

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