Dr. Kizza Besigye, leader of the People’s Front for Transition, and activist Samuel Mukaku are back in court, challenging evidence presented by Detective Sergeant Steven Oryema.
The prosecution claims that placards with phrases like “Time Up, Time Out” and “Stop Stupid Birthdays” and a megaphone found in their vehicle during arrest were used to incite protests .
However when the case came up today for further hearing , the defense, led by Erias Lukwago, argued that Oryema’s evidence was not disclosed earlier and that he was not listed among the 11 witnesses on record terming it as an ambush and abuse of the court process.
Lukwago then calls this an “ambush” and an “abuse of the court process,” seeking to have the evidence struck out.
Dr. Kizza Besigye expressed frustration, alleging that the government is exploiting the judicial system to stifle political opposition.
He emphasized that their protests were aimed at addressing the escalating cost of living, not promoting violence thus it was straightforward tackling economic struggles which they ought to have listened to instead of arresting them.
In his view, the state’s actions undermine the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, fundamental rights guaranteed by Uganda’s Constitution and international human rights instruments.
Besigye’s protests targeted the soaring cost of living and succession politics in the country, but authorities have consistently blocked these gatherings, citing the Public Order Management Act.
The court will rule on the admissibility of the contested evidence and continue cross-examining witnesses on October 25, 2024. Besigye and Mukaku face charges of inciting violence against high commodity prices in Kampala, punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.
This is not the first time the duo has faced these charges. They were previously arrested in May and June 2022 for protesting against skyrocketing commodity prices. Besigye was granted bail, and a similar case was dismissed in June 2023 due to lack of prosecution.
