KAMPALA – The failure of Uganda’s veteran opposition leader, Dr Kizza Besigye, to appear in court has sparked controversy, with his lawyers asking the court to penalize the state.
Dr Besigye, who is currently on remand, was expected to appear before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s court to face charges related to demonstrating against skyrocketing commodity prices in Kampala City.
However, when the case came up for hearing, Dr Besigye was nowhere to be found, prompting his lawyer, Mr Erias Lukwago, to express surprise and disappointment.
“It comes as a surprise to us that Dr Besigye was not produced in court today, despite the production warrant that was issued,” Mr Lukwago told the court. “We seek clarity on why he was not produced.”
Mr Lukwago argued that the failure to produce Dr Besigye was a serious matter that warranted penalties. “We are at a loss, and the case has dragged on for so long,” he said.
In response, the prosecution, led by Mr Allan Mucunguzi, claimed that the defence should pray for a fresh production warrant rather than asking the court to penalize the state.
The trial magistrate, Ms Winne Nankya, concurred with the prosecution and issued a second production warrant, adjourning the matter to January 21.
The state indicated that it is still interested in prosecuting the case, with one witness ready to testify. Dr Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, are facing charges related to security offences and possession of a firearm. They have denied the charges.
