6th statement on the frivolous charges against Nicholas Opiyo

We continue to demand that the fabricated and malicious charges be dropped

On Wednesday December 30, 2020, Mr. Nicholas Opiyo, the Executive Director of Chapter Four Uganda was granted bail by the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court sitting at Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court. We secured his release from Kitalya Maximum Security Prison on the same day. Chapter Four Uganda welcomes the decision of Her Lordship Jane Okuo Kajuga to uphold Mr. Opiyo's right to bail. 

Mr. Opiyo is now preparing to return to his vital work of defending human rights. He will also be providing probono legal services to secure justice for a number of inmates he met while in detention.

Chapter Four Uganda is deeply concerned that Mr. Opiyo had to spend eight days in detention for the fabricated and malicious charges levied against him. We unequivocally reiterate that the charges against Mr. Opiyo are malicious and will be proven to be baseless. We believe that they are aimed at disrupting and obstructing his work as a human rights attorney. 

Chapter Four continues to demand that the fabricated and malicious charges be dropped. Chapter Four Uganda will continue to stand four-square behind Mr. Opiyo and take necessary measures to support him in challenging the baseless charges.

We thank all our national, regional and international partners, diplomatic community, members of the civil society fraternity in Uganda and beyond, the Uganda Law Society, individual Advocates and law firms, the media, Mr. Opiyo’s friends and family and the general public for the overwhelming support to Mr. Opiyo. Your unwavering confidence in Mr. Opiyo’s and Chapter Four’s work is invaluable. We continue to count on your support as we pursue justice for Mr. Opiyo and defend human rights for all. 

For more information, contact:

• Stephen Tumwesigye, Lawyer and Chapter Four Board Member. Phone: +256 774 334 908. Email: info@chapterfouruganda.org