Ugandan Opposition Members Face Court on Terrorism Charges Amid Allegations of Political Persecution

Thirty-six members of Uganda's opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, facing terrorism-related offenses. The group, who were deported from Kenya last month, deny any wrongdoing and claim they were attending a training course in Kisumu.

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According to their lawyers, the FDC members were accused by Ugandan authorities of engaging in "covert activities suspected to be subversive," which allegedly caught the attention of Kenyan security forces. However, the opposition members' legal team argues that the charges are fabricated and part of a broader pattern of political persecution.

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Lawyer Erias Lukwago condemned the Ugandan authorities, describing their actions as "an absurd abuse of the judicial process to witch-hunt and torment opposition supporters." This case has sparked widespread criticism from opposition figures and human rights campaigners, who accuse President Yoweri Museveni's government of using trumped-up charges to silence his opponents.

The FDC members' court appearance on Monday is likely to draw significant attention, with many watching to see how the case unfolds. The opposition and human rights groups will be closely monitoring the proceedings, eager to highlight what they see as a clear example of political repression in Uganda.