By Our Reporter
Yoram Baguma, a 28-year-old resident of Katabi in Wakiso District, has been remanded to Luzira Prison after being charged with three counts, including “annoying the person of the president,” stemming from an incident that occurred during President Yoweri Museveni’s campaign rally in Kawempe North last month.
Baguma appeared before Kawempe Grade One Magistrate Damalie Agumisimwe on Tuesday and was remanded until April 30, pending further investigations.
The charges follow a dramatic security breach on March 11, during the final rally for ruling party candidate Faridah Nambi, held at Kawempe Mbogo Playground. A viral video widely shared on social media showed Baguma sprinting past multiple layers of heavily armed Special Forces Command (SFC) operatives, heading directly toward President Museveni’s tent moments after the President had concluded his speech.
Baguma was intercepted by a second line of SFC soldiers just a few meters from the President and was swiftly detained at Kawempe Division Police Station before being transferred to a more secure facility.
Baguma: “I Just Wanted to Be Heard”
In a statement during his court appearance, Baguma claimed he had no harmful intentions toward the President, asserting that he is, in fact, a loyal supporter. According to Baguma, he had written several letters to President Museveni seeking help with personal and life hardships but never received a response.
“I was left with no other option but to try and talk to the President directly,” Baguma told the court. “I just wanted to be heard.”
His explanation has sparked debate on social media, with some Ugandans expressing sympathy for his plight and others emphasizing the risks and seriousness of breaching presidential security.
Similar Incidents In Uganda & Beyond
This is not the first time an individual has attempted to reach a sitting head of state out of desperation or protest. In Uganda, presidential security is handled by the elite Special Forces Command, and breaches—though rare—are treated with utmost seriousness.
In 2018, a man was arrested after attempting to approach President Museveni during a public function in Masaka, claiming he had “an urgent message” to deliver. In 2019, another man was detained in Arua for allegedly attempting to confront the President during a public rally. In both cases, security operatives subdued the individuals before they could make contact.
Globally, similar incidents have occurred: In 2022, a man ran toward Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s convoy during a public event. In the U.S., breaches of presidential security—like the infamous 2014 incident where a man scaled the White House fence—have resulted in major security overhauls.
Legal Implications
In Uganda, the charge of “annoying the person of the president” falls under laws that prohibit actions or speech deemed offensive, disrespectful, or potentially threatening to the head of state. Critics have in the past called for reforms to such laws, arguing they are overly broad and can stifle legitimate dissent.
If convicted, Baguma could face several years in prison, although his apparent lack of malicious intent and mental state may be factors considered by the court.
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