Kampala, Uganda – The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has recalled case files of nearly 100 demonstrators arrested and charged with being idle and disorderly and being a common nuisance for participating in an anti-corruption march to Parliament.
The recall comes after constitutional lawyers questioned the charges, labeling them archaic and colonial.
The DPP’s spokesperson, Ms. Jacquelyn Okui, confirmed the recall, stating that the DPP will review the evidence and make final decisions on the matters.
The demonstrators were arraigned before various courts in Kampala City and remanded until next month.
However, legal experts argue that the charges are unconstitutional, citing a 2022 Constitutional Court ruling that nullified similar laws.
Constitutional law expert Dr. Kabumba Busingye noted that the offence of being idle and disorderly is similar to the struck-down law of being a rogue and vagabond.
Human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo criticized the police for charging demonstrators who had notified them about their activity, stating that such laws often target vulnerable populations.
