Anti-Oil Activist Who Collapsed in Court Granted Bail Over Medical Concerns

What the report says

Environmental activist Shakira Kasoga has been granted court bond on medical grounds after collapsing during an earlier hearing at Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court, according to Nile Post. The outlet reported that Magistrate Winnie Nankya released her on Wednesday, October 14, on a non-cash bond of Shs500,000, following concerns raised by her lawyers about her condition and detention.

Kasoga is one of 10 members of the Rooted in Resistance group who were arrested on August 31 after trying to march to Parliament with a petition calling for changes to Uganda’s oil policy and investment priorities. Nile Post said the activists have been challenging aspects of the country’s oil development plans, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, and have argued that the projects could have environmental and social consequences.

The report said the court had earlier ordered a medical assessment after Kasoga fainted in the dock, and her release came after prison authorities were directed to review her health. Defence lawyer Kato Tumusiime said the collapse highlighted concerns about the conditions in which the activists were being held, while lawyer Doreen Namara has also previously raised questions about the arrests and treatment of detained women.

Kasoga is expected back in court on October 19 with the other nine accused. Nile Post added that four other activists arrested in a separate case on August 10 are due back in court on October 26. The case forms part of a wider legal and political dispute over Uganda’s oil program and the right to protest peacefully.