Human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo has urged the Ugandan government to drop charges against anti-corruption protesters, saying recent developments surrounding investigations into former Speaker Anita Among have strengthened claims raised during earlier demonstrations.
His comments follow reported security operations at Among’s residences, where CID officers, supported by other security units, carried out extended searches linked to ongoing investigations into allegations of corruption and unexplained wealth.
Reports indicate that financial records and electronic devices were among materials examined during the operations, although authorities have not publicly confirmed any charges or detailed findings.
In his remarks, Opiyo said the unfolding situation should prompt a reassessment of how the state has handled individuals arrested during anti-corruption protests.
“Now that the recent events in Uganda, including the police search of the speaker’s homes, have established, on the preponderance of evidence, that the anti-corruption protestors may have been right after all, we must discontinue all charges against these protestors, unconditionally release those in jail, and wipe the criminal records of those already convicted,” he said.
Several protesters linked to earlier demonstrations remain facing charges related to unlawful assembly and public order offences. Some have already been convicted and sentenced in lower courts.
Opiyo argued that continuing to prosecute them would be unjust in light of what he described as emerging evidence pointing to systemic corruption concerns within senior levels of government.
He also signaled that scrutiny should extend to how judicial officers have handled such cases, suggesting that accountability within the justice system itself will eventually be addressed.
“We will address the issue of acquiescent judicial officers in this matter at a later date. They will get their comeuppance, for sure,” he said.
The lawyer further maintained that the protesters should not be viewed as disruptive actors, but rather as citizens raising legitimate concerns about corruption and public accountability.
He said the narrative that they were acting under foreign influence had been unfair and misleading.
The developments come as investigations into Anita Among continue, with no formal charges announced so far. The case has drawn wider public attention in Uganda, reopening debate on corruption allegations involving senior officials and the state’s response to dissent.