Agency
The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has temporarily halted the trial of opposition politicians Dr. Kizza Besigye and Samuel Lubega Mukaaku on charges of inciting violence, citing Besigye’s deteriorating health condition.
Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko, on Thursday, suspended the trial for 60 days, expressing hope that Besigye would receive treatment and recover.
The court observed that Besigye appeared feverish and unable to stand for long periods, as seen in previous sessions.
However, the Magistrate denied Besigye’s request for release to seek treatment at a hospital of his choice, stating that similar applications had already been filed before the High Court Civil Division, which takes precedence over lower courts.
Magistrate Nankya clarified that Besigye had previously been granted bail on the incitement charges, meaning the alleged violations of his rights were unrelated to the case before her court.
Last Friday, Besigye’s lawyers, Erias Lukwago and Ernest Kalibala, had sought his immediate release, citing multiple human rights violations.
Besigye is jointly charged with Samuel Lubega Mukaaku for protesting against the skyrocketing prices for day-to-day commodities such as bread, cooking oil, sugar, among others in a protest held in Shauriyako Kampala Central on June 14th, 2022.
