May 14, 2026
For Immediate Release
Kampala – Uganda
LPI TO APPEAL AGAINST CONVICTION OF EIGHT ACTIVISTS
Liberty Pro Bono Initiative (LPI) together with its legal team will appeal against an April 17, 2026 Buganda Road Court Magistrate’s decision convicting eight (8) environment activists on charges of common nuisance linked to a peaceful protest staged at Stanbic bank headquarters in August 2025. The activists were sentenced to 11 months in prison.
The activists namely Akram Katende, Ismail Zziwa, Teopista Nakyambadde, Shammy Nalwadda, Dorothy Asio, Shafik Kalyango, Noah Kafiiti, and Keisha Ali — most of whom are students and young people — were convicted by Grade One Magistrate Rophine Achayo.
LPI believes that civic action and peaceful assembly are protected rights under Uganda’s Constitution and international human rights instruments.
Background
On August 01, 2025, activists organized a peaceful protest at the Stanbic bank headquarters in Kampala. The protest was aimed at bringing attention to Stanbic bank’s role in financing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
Decision to Appeal
LPI and its legal team have decided to support and pursue an appeal against the conviction of the eight activists.
“The peaceful delivery of a petition cannot be treated as a crime. This ruling threatens civic space and the rights of Ugandans to hold powerful entities accountable. Advocacy is not a crime and neither is protecting the environment,” said Doreen Namara, CEO LPI.
ENDS
For more information or media inquiries, contact:
Doreen Namara,
CEO, Liberty Pro Bono Initiative
Email: doreennamara24@gmail.com
Phone: 0772-010268
