Ugandan Opposition Members Charged with Terrorism After Kenyan Deportation

36 members of Uganda's Forum for Democratic Change have been charged with terrorism-related offences. Deported from Kenya after attending a training course, they deny the charges. Their lawyer calls the accusations 'ridiculous.' The charges come amid youth protests in Uganda and Kenya against corruption and high taxes.

A Ugandan court on Monday charged 36 opposition supporters with terrorism-related offences following their deportation from Kenya, where they had attended a training course, court documents revealed.

The individuals, members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), one of Uganda's major opposition parties, have denied the charges. Erias Lukwago, their lawyer, labeled the accusations as 'ridiculous' during a press briefing outside the magistrates' court in Kampala.

The arrest and charges coincide with ongoing youth-led protests in both Uganda and Kenya against corruption and high taxation. Kenyan authorities had detained and deported the 36 after they attended a leadership and governance training course in Kisumu on July 23, their lawyer and party officials reported.

While detained in Kenya, the group's personal belongings, including computers and phones, were confiscated, and some were reportedly tortured, according to Kiiza Besigye, a prominent FDC figure and vocal critic of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. Reuters could not independently verify these claims.

The charge sheet alleged the group traveled to Kenya for 'the purpose of providing or receiving terrorist training.' The accused are currently being held at a prison about 50 kilometers northwest of Kampala. Critics and human rights advocates argue that Museveni's government frequently uses fabricated charges to suppress opposition, a claim government officials deny.

Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, faces increasing discontent. Last week, security forces detained over 100 Ugandans protesting against government corruption, inspired by similar youth-led protests in Kenya which led President William Ruto to withdraw proposed tax hikes.