Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Girly Girmaley Batange, also known as “Magufuli,” a Tanzanian citizen living in Juba, South Sudan, has been remanded on terrorism charges in Uganda.
Batange appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi on Monday 2, September 2024, facing serious accusations including supporting a terrorist organization, financing terrorism, and being a member of a terrorist group.
He is jointly charged with Sulaiman Nsubuga, also known as Ibrahim Nkata or Mzee Lweza, from Butote village in Masafu sub-county, Busia district, and Swalleh Abubaker, who goes by various aliases including Isaac Mupeeta, Dog City, Fujo Boxer, and Tom Kivuruge.
The prosecution alleges that between 2018 and April 2024, Batange, Abubaker, and Nsubuga, along with others still at large, engaged in activities such as mobilizing funds, procuring supplies, and recruiting individuals for the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Also Read: Uganda charges ADF rebel commander with terrorism, murder
The accused were reportedly fully aware that their support would be used for terrorism-related activities. Due to the serious nature of the charges, Batange was unable to enter a plea at this stage.
During the hearing, Batange, speaking in Kiswahili, requested a pardon from the magistrate, who informed him that such a request could only be made to the trial judge at the High Court.
Batange has been remanded to Luzira Prison until September 20, 2024, as investigations continue.
This case comes shortly after a recent security advisory from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, warning of a potential rise in terrorist threats in Kampala.
