Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, appeared in court today, looking physically frail due to his ongoing hunger strike.
His lawyers, led by Elias Lukwago and Ernest Kalibala, urged the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court to release him, citing multiple human rights violations.
Besigye’s detention in Luzira Prison without a valid remand warrant, despite being granted bail in 2022, was highlighted as a key concern. The state’s failure to inform him of pending charges, as well as denying him access to personal doctors and family, were also raised as violations ¹.
Lukwago emphasized that Besigye’s life is at risk, especially given remarks by the Chief of Defense Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, suggesting that he will only leave prison on Heroes’ Day to be hanged.
The prosecution, led by Allan Mucungunzi, argued that there are no human rights violations warranting a stay of proceedings, as Besigye was granted bail and is legally held in prison.
The trial magistrate adjourned the case to February 20, extending Besigye’s bail until then. This decision sparked emotional reactions from Besigye’s supporters, who expressed concerns about his well-being and comparisons to the late Kawempe Member of Parliament Muhammad Ssegirinya.
Besigye, along with co-accused Samuel Mukaku, faces trial for allegedly demonstrating against skyrocketing commodity prices in Kampala City.
