Over 200 charged with disturbing public peace

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The City Hall Magistrates’ Court has charged and remanded more than 200 individuals to Luzira Prison on allegations of disturbing public peace.

On Tuesday (February 17), the accused persons appeared before Grade One Magistrate Edgar Karakire. During the court session, about 12 of the accused pleaded guilty to the charges, while others denied the offence.

Kampala Capital City Authority prosecutor Charles Kutosi informed the court that investigations into the matter are complete and requested that a hearing date be set.

Before remanding the accused, Magistrate Karakire informed them of their right to apply for bail and asked whether they had relatives who could stand surety for them.

“For those of you who have sureties, I am going to entertain them after here. Because you are very many, I will be able to handle them after this session. For those who don’t have sureties, I am going to remand you until March 2, 3 and 4 this year,” the magistrate said.

Some of the suspects told the court that their relatives were unaware of their arrest because they had been apprehended at night.

They also said their personal property, including mobile phones, remained at the police station.

The magistrate further reminded the accused that applying for bail does not require payment and cautioned them against giving money to anyone who might solicit it in the process.

The prosecution alleges that the accused persons, together with others still at large, on February 16 this year, in areas of Nakasero, Nateete, Kampala central streets and Nalukolongo in Lubaga Division, disturbed public peace by smoking opium and marijuana and grabbing women’s bags with the intent to steal from them.

The case was adjourned to the mentioned dates for further proceedings.