On 3rd March 2026, the Buganda Road Magistrates Court dismissed the case against the female environmental activist and others for want of prosecution.
The activists were arrested on 26 February 2025 while peacefully exercising their constitutional rights to defend the environment.
This outcome is a powerful reminder that no one should be arrested, detained, or forced to endure prolonged court processes simply for fulfilling their civic duty.
For over a year, these activists appeared in court repeatedly, expending time, energy, and scarce resources yet the State was never ready to proceed with the case or present evidence.
This pattern is deeply concerning. It is not the first time environmental activists have been arrested, remanded, granted bail after significant periods in detention, and then subjected to endless court appearances only for the charges to eventually be dismissed.
Such actions amount to misuse of the criminal justice system and impose emotional, financial, and psychological burdens on activists.
Courts must not be used as tools of intimidation, particularly against female environmental defenders who are standing up for their communities and natural resources.
Defending the environment is not a crime. It is a constitutional right and a public duty.
