Buganda Road Magistrate’s Court has adjourned the bail hearing of environmental activists arrested over protests against Uganda’s oil policies to November 9, 2026, after the trial magistrate was reported to be indisposed. 
The activists, members of the Rooted in Resistance group, were arrested on August 31, 2026, as they attempted to march to Parliament to deliver a petition calling for reforms in Uganda’s oil policies and investment priorities. 
Speaking to this reporter, Kato Tumusiime, one of the lawyers representing the activists, said the latest adjournment had further delayed their efforts to secure release on bail, with some of them having spent 64 days on pre-trial remand. 
He said the prosecution was yet to commence the trial, as investigations were still ongoing, with no complainant or witness presented in court. 
“So far today they have spent 64 days on pre-trial remand. No hearing, investigations are ongoing, no complainant, no witness, nothing is happening as far as starting the trial,” Tumusiime said. 
He said the defence had appeared in court expecting the bail application to proceed but was informed that the trial magistrate was unavailable. 
“It’s very unfortunate that even today the trial magistrate is indisposed. She is not present and therefore we couldn't proceed with the bail application even when the activists qualify for mandatory bail,” he said. 
The defence subsequently appeared before another magistrate and requested a short adjournment. However, Tumusiime questioned why another judicial officer with similar jurisdiction could not handle the matter. 
He argued that the absence of the trial magistrate should not prevent other judicial officers from hearing the case, particularly when the accused persons' liberty was at stake. 
“If the magistrate maybe could not be able to make it court, they could give the matter to another magistrate because they all have the same jurisdiction to handle and hear this matter,” he said. 
Tumusiime called on the judiciary to address delays that keep suspects on remand before their cases are heard. 
“Our prayer is that some of these issues should be put into consideration by the judicial officers that the liberty of the accused people is paramount,” he said. 
The activists were arrested over their opposition to Uganda’s oil development plans, including concerns about the environmental impact of the projects.