Anti-Oil Activist Who Collapsed in Court Granted Bail

What the report says

Environmental activist Shakira Kasoga has been granted non-cash bail of Shs500,000 by Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court, according to Nile Post. The decision came days after she collapsed during an earlier court appearance linked to members of the Rooted in Resistance group. The court also required her to surrender her passport, while each of her sureties was bonded at Shs1 million without a cash deposit.

Nile Post reported that Kasoga’s release on Thursday, October 15, followed concerns raised by defence lawyers over the detention of activists opposing Uganda’s oil policies. Kasoga is among 10 Rooted in Resistance activists arrested on August 31 while attempting to deliver a petition to Parliament. The group says it is pushing for changes to the country’s oil policy and investment priorities.

During the earlier hearing, Kasoga collapsed in the dock, prompting the court to order prison authorities to assess her condition and file a medical report. Her lawyers have also complained about delays in hearing bail applications and have questioned how the activists were treated during arrest and detention.

The case comes amid wider debate in Uganda over oil development, including plans for commercial production and concerns from campaigners about environmental and social effects. That broader context helps explain why the arrests and bail hearings have drawn attention beyond the courtroom.