Magistrate Orders Medical Access To Rwenzori Attack Suspects

The Kasese Chief Magistrate’s Court has directed prison authorities to grant medical access to suspects of the November 2025 attacks on military installations in the Rwenzori region. 

The suspects, who are facing charges of treason, terrorism, murder, attempted murder, terrorism financing, and aggravated robbery, were presented before the court via Zoom from Malukhu Government Prison in Mbale. 102 suspects appeared before His Worship George Mfitundinda. 

During the proceedings, some suspects displayed signs of illness, while others reported they had not received adequate medical care.

In response, the magistrate ordered the prison authorities to transport the unwell suspects to health facilities within Mbale District to ensure they receive proper medical treatment.

The court’s decision was also influenced by a plea from defense counsel Barnabas Tinkasiimire of Victoria and Co. Advocates, who visited his clients and found some with healing wounds and scars, indicating possible torture.

The prosecution, led by Resident State Attorney Learned Counsel Godfrey Oundo, did not oppose the defense lawyers’ submissions, acknowledging that health is a crucial and fundamental human right for all individuals. 

The court further ordered the prison authorities in Mbale, where most of the male suspects are detained, to facilitate their access to better healthcare facilities within the district. 

The suspects were transferred from Mubuku to Luzira Prison and Malukhu Government Prison, respectively, with the case scheduled for further mention on May 13, 2026.