Four-time presidential candidate Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye on Friday appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s court, looking frailer than ever in his many legal battles with the state.
Struggling to breathe and visibly panting, Besigye sat in the dock with his mouth open, unable to stand for long. Unlike his usual defiant posture in court, he took a seat immediately upon entering before receiving permission or any request from his lawyers.
Typically, Besigye acknowledges his supporters by raising two fingers in salute. However, despite a large crowd of his followers present, he neither waved nor spoke to them. He remained under the watch of 10 prison security officers in the dock.
His condition appeared concerning – his eyes looked teary and yellowish, and he was shaking as though suffering from hunger, fever, or both. However, the cause of his apparent weakness could not be immediately verified.
Besigye’s legal team, led by Erias Lukwago, urged the court to order his unconditional release, arguing that he was unlawfully detained despite being granted bail on incitement of violence charges.
Lukwago contended that Besigye remains in prison without a valid remand warrant, violating constitutional provisions that guarantee an accused person the right to be informed of the reasons for their detention. He also argued that Besigye had been denied access to his lawyers, family, and personal doctor.
Lukwago told the court that even prison authorities can confirm Besigye’ illness. Additionally, Lukwago made a sentimental appeal, pointing out that it was Valentine’s Day and that Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, was alone in the country. He called for his release, emphasizing that the day is meant for families to reunite and share affection.
He also asked the court to impose sanctions on the Commissioner General of Prisons and other prison officers for violating Besigye’s fundamental rights.
State prosecutor Allan Mucunguzi opposed the defence’s application, arguing that Besigye’s imprisonment was unrelated to the proceedings before the court that day.
Besigye is jointly charged with Samuel Lubega Mukaaku for staging a protest against the soaring cost of living in June 2022 at Shauriyako, Kampala Central. The prosecution has so far presented five police witnesses and was expected to present its final witness a police officer from Masaka, who failed to appear on Monday, prompting Besigye’s lawyers to request that the case be closed.
Besigye was absent from that session due to illness, leading the court to issue a production warrant to compel prisons to present him today. His lawyers had questioned the authenticity of a letter allegedly written by Besigye stating he was unwell.
Despite being out on bail for the incitement charges, Besigye remains in prison over separate charges of treachery and illegal possession of firearms. These charges stem from proceedings before the General Court Martial, which the Supreme court recently ruled lacks jurisdiction over civilians and capital offences.
They are waiting for his demise and then they show their concern by taking his body to Parliament, offering miserable money and help to the family to fool the country as they always do. Please stop this nonsense. Do you not have enough on your hands and conscience?
The Baganda have a saying : ” Eryooka nga n´ettonnya…” ( Only when it rains do we get to really know which roof is leaky)
Its no news that the leadership of that parliament is an arm of the executive, which is why nothing much is expected from there.
But what about some fellows here who always pretend to be Dr-Besigye`s admirers ? Where are they ? Why are they silent ?
Last week one of them was here rebuking NUP for having ” abandoned” Olivia Lutaaya and others . Ever since Dr. Besigye appeared in court looking sick and weak , I have waited to see what his so called supporters are going to say . The usual noise-makers have not said anything , at least a symbolic gesture of empathy to this great son of Uganda . They do not realy care what happens to him , do they ?
Wondering furthermore , has Doc Sserunkuma ever showed up in any court when Dr.Besigye is paraded by his tortures ?
Why not ?
Sorry they do not even have a conscience. May be the least expected of them as human beings and pretending there is justice and democracy is too much for them
Personally , I regard Dr.Besigye as one of the greatest fighters that this cursed country has seen. I know that Muhoozi was not joking when he said that Besigye will come of Luzira inside of a coffin. They really want him dead.
If that happens , Dr. Besigye will go down as the bravest son of Uganda, the one who will rest in peace knowing the played his part .
I will dedicate this song for him ” To DREAM AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM”
I hope that those who vist him in prison will play it for him while he is still alive .
One day , God will wake up and Save Uganda Again