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Summary:

• Kyambogo University students, arrested during “Stop EACOP” protests, missed graduation as they face charges related to opposing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline construction.

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Three Kyambogo University students, who were set to graduate at the ongoing ceremony and were listed as cleared attendees, were notably absent due to their arrest during the “Stop EACOP” protests on November 24 at Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala.

The affected graduands, namely Simon Wafula, Eric Ssekindi, and Sean Tevin Debo, were apprehended alongside their peers, including Ashraf Kayanga, Oscar Niwagaba, John Kabuza, and Ivan Sanya. They were brought before the Chief Magistrate Court of Buganda Road on November 28, where Magistrate Winnie Nankya remanded them until today, December 8.

Despite the absence of Magistrate Nankya, who denied bail during the initial hearing, the presiding magistrate extended the remand until December 19, when Magistrate Nankya is expected to be present for their bail application.

Expressing concern, the suspects’ lawyer, led by Mr. Samuel Ronald Wanda from Masiko, Wanda, and Arinda Advocates, lamented the unfortunate situation where justice seems elusive. He noted the impact on students who have missed graduation and exams.

The seven students face charges of holding unlawful processions and inciting violence as they protested the construction of the Shs10 trillion East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). Their attempt to deliver a petition to Parliament resulted in their arrest.

The Head of Communication for Students against EACOP, also a Kyambogo University student, urged a swift resolution of the case, emphasizing the significant consequences for their academic pursuits.

Another student, Abdul Aziz Bwete, asserted that arrests would not deter them from protesting against what he termed the “deadly EACOP,” emphasizing the profound impact on their lives and environment.