Six Oil Activists Detained for Unlawful Assembly Ahead of Petition Delivery

Six youth activists, members of the group Rooted in Resistance, were remanded to Luzira Prison on September 3, 2026, following their arrest earlier that week. The Law Development Centre Magistrate’s Court in Kampala charged the activists with unlawful assembly under Sections 65 and 66 of the Penal Code Act.

The group was apprehended at RR Pearl Tower One, the offices of TotalEnergies, as they reportedly intended to deliver petitions urging reforms in Uganda’s burgeoning oil sector. The remanded individuals are Isaac Mukibi, Alphat Manwanda, Nicholas Mugezi, Innocent Opio, John Friday, and Ronald Onyango.

During their court appearance before Magistrate Joanita Muwanika, the activists were ordered to remain in custody until September 17, when they are scheduled to return for a bail hearing. This decision has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, particularly regarding the activists’ extended detention period before being presented in court.

Kakuru Tumusiime, a human rights lawyer representing the activists, stated that some of his clients reported experiencing torture while in detention. Tumusiime indicated that legal avenues are being pursued regarding this alleged mistreatment and emphasized the right of the activists to seek justice through the courts. He also questioned the authorities’ approach, suggesting that the concerns raised about the oil sector should be addressed rather than suppressing peaceful advocacy.

Tumusiime urged the government and relevant bodies to heed the issues highlighted by the activists, particularly concerning the environmental implications of oil production. He stressed that economic development should not compromise environmental protection.

Rooted in Resistance is a youth-led organization focused on scrutinizing Uganda’s oil projects and their potential social and environmental consequences. The activists’ arrest underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding oil development in the country.

Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/368877/ldc-court-remands-six-anti-oil-activists-over-unlawful-assembly