Court summons Besigye, Lukwago

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago (in grey suit) with former FDC leader Kizza Besigye (R) at Makindye court last month. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA

KAMPALA- Makindye Chief Magistrates Court yesterday issued criminal summons against Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and the former FDC leader, Dr Kizza Besigye, together with Dr Besigye’s driver Fred Kato for skipping a court hearing without any explanation.

The criminal summons were prompted by State prosecutor Charlotte Kwikiriza after the duo failed to show up in the courtroom and yet none of their lawyers was available to represent them.

The three face charges of disobeying lawful orders issued to them by Kampala South regional police commander Siraje Bakaleke not to hold a meeting at Nsambya Youth Sharing Hall to discuss electoral reforms on May 14.

“A1 (Lukwago), A2 (Dr Besigye) and A3 (Kato) are absent in court and we are praying for criminal summons against them,” Ms Kwkiriza asked Grade One Magistrate Marion Okello.

They are expected in court on August 10 at 10am and should they fail to show up, police will be directed to arrest them and arraign them in court.

Earlier appearance
On June 4, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and former FDC President Kizza Besigye were charged before Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court with disobeying lawful orders of a police officer.

The two voluntarily appeared before Makindye Chief Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu Musenze and denied the charges. The presiding magistrate released the four suspects on a non-cash bail of Shs2m and each of their nine sureties was bonded at Shs 1m not cash.

While releasing the suspects, the magistrate hailed them for being lawful citizens who voluntarily appeared before court and also presented substantial sureties.