Besigye, Lukwago on bus to Kabale to answer charges of inciting violence

Former leader for FDC party, Dr Kizza Besigye (blue checked shirt and cap) struggling to enter a bus owned by Perfect Coaches in Kampala. The bus was headed for Kabale where Dr Besigye and four other members of the opposition are expected to appear before a magistrates court to answer charges of inciting violence. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa

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Dr Besigye told Daily Monitor that he also received court summons to appear before the same court over charges of inciting violence

Five opposition members including former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader Dr Kizza Besigye, Kampala lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and leader for FDC women league Ingrid Turinawe have this morning boarded a bus to Kabale where they are to appear before a magistrate court to answer charges of inciting violence, a crime said to have been committed in 2012.
The trio and two other opposition members who are; the Kawempe division mayor Mubarak Munyagwa and the Rukungiri Municipality MP Roland Mugume Kaginda are expected to appear before Kabale Magistrates Court on Monday.

The case arose in July 2013 after Mr Munyagwa was arrested in Kampala on allegations of inciting violence while speaking at a Forum for Democratic Change rally held at Kabale Municipal main stadium on July 14, 2012. The rally ended into running battles between police and locals after police stopped the supporters who had turned up from marching to Kisoro road through Kabale Garage Street.
Mr Munyagwa was charged in July 2013 and remanded to Ndorwa government prison by the Kabale grade II Magistrate Charles Khadhis but was later released on bail after presenting Dr Besigye, Lord Mayor Lukwago, MP Kaginda and Ms Turinawe as sureties. However, a month later, Ms Turinawe, Mr Lukwago and MP Kaginda were arraigned in the same court over similar charges.
Dr Besigye told Daily Monitor that he also received court summons to appear before the same court over charges of inciting violence.
“I received court summons about a month ago to appear before Kabale Magistrate court over similar charges. I wonder why they did not charge me then but had to wait this long,” said Dr Besigye.

When asked how often he uses public means of transport to travel, Dr Besigye said “I don’t remember the last time I used a bus or public means of transport in Uganda.”
Mr Lukwago said such cases have become too costly for them in terms of transport and accommodation, especially when they have to travel long distances to attend court.
“For instance we spend over Shs1 million each time we have to travel to Kabale to attend court. Besides, it puts our lives at risks,” he said.