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Court orders Luzira prison to present Besigye over inciting violence
Political activist Dr Kizza Besigye talks to traders downtown Kampala during his protest over skyrocketing commodity prices on May 24, 2022. PHOTOS/ ABUBAKER LUBOWA
What you need to know:
- Dr Besigye and Mukaaku are facing charges of inciting violence when they allegedly called on Ugandans to raise up against high commodity prices in Kampala which offence attracts either a fine or imprisonment or both upon conviction.
Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala has issued a production warrant directing the prison authorities to present jailed veteran opposition politician, Dr Kizza Besigye in separate charges of inciting violence.
The Senior Principal Grade One magistrate, Ms Winnie Nankya was Thursday prompted to issue the production warrant after the four-time presidential contender was no show for the hearing of his case of inciting violence which he allegedly committed in June 2022 as he attempted to stage a protest over skyrocketing commodity prices.
Dr Besigye’s co-accused, Samuel Mukaaaku, a political activist attended court as the defence lawyer, Abubaker Ssekanjako told the magistrate that the former Forum for Democratic Chage (FDC) president is currently on remand following his abduction in Nairobi, Kenya on November 16 and arraignment before the General Court Martials alongside Hajj Obeid Lutale on charges relating national security and unlawful possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition.
Prosecution led by Mr Allan Mucunguzi told the magistrate that he had brought detective Stephen Oryema, a scene of crime officer to testify against Dr Besigye and Mr Mukaaku.
Dr Besigye and Mukaaku are facing charges of inciting violence when they allegedly called on Ugandans to raise up against high commodity prices in Kampala which offence attracts either a fine or imprisonment or both upon conviction.
The two were arrested as they addressed traders downtown Kampala about the need to protest against the skyrocketing prices of commodities in the country as Parliament convened at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for the 2022/2023 reading of the national budget.
Prosecution alleges that the duo without any lawful excuse at an assembly; addressed members of the public implying that it would be desirable for them to demonstrate, yet this act can result in violence and destruction of property.
However, the two have since denied the charges.
This is the second time the two are facing the same charges, the firts one having been May 21 2022 when they were arrested before Dr Besigye was granted a cash bail of Shs30 million. He spent about 12 days in Luzira Prison before the sum was reduced to Shs3 million by the High Court. The second time was in June 2022.
