There were ugly scenes at Buganda Road Court on Friday as police tried to evict court attendees during the sentencing of former Makerere researcher Dr Stella Nyanzi.
The chaotic scenes started with an observer who allegedly threw a pen at Grade One Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu’s bench while delivering her sentence.
According to the video from the court proceedings, the magistrate was also hit on the forehead with a water bottle while sent Nyanzi back to Luzira prison on an 18-month sentence for cyber harassment.Then mayhem ensued. Police immediately grabbed one observer.
When others stood up for him, police began violently pulling anyone in an FDC shirt out of the courtroom.
At least three people were taken into custody by riot police that had earlier deployed to Buganda Road Court.
According to opposition figure Kizza Besigye’s son Anselm Besigye, those arrested are currently held at the Central Police Station.
“As of now, we know Waiswa Abdul & Wanyera Simon have been taken into custody. Waiting to find out more,” Anselm said.
A hardened activist, Fatuma is a mother of a less than 1 year-old boy, who, again in 2015, was undressed by Police at Kanyaryeru, along Kampala-Mbarara high way.
“The unjustifiable misconduct of judicial officers will be protested going forward. Activism in court will not be a monopoly of men and women wearing gowns. No way,” Muhinda lashed out.
He added: “People will fight using whatever they have to regain their freedom.”
Meanwhile in Luzira prison, Nyanzi who was being sentenced via video teleconferencing, stripped naked and bared her breasts which she shook vigorously.
She took off her top while asking Magistrate Kamasanyu why she was brought to court today against her consent.
The gallery irrupted, people started standing on chairs.
Stella was then taken out of court.
“Down with courts that do not work for me. Why are you muting my volume? Fuck you. Why did you bring me to this place without consent?” she lashed out.