Dr Kizza Besigye has vowed not to return to Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s court in connection to his treason case until prosecution is ready to proceed with the matter.
Besigye, who appeared before Nakawa Grade one magistrate, Noah Sajjabi this morning where his treason case came up for mention said he will not return to the court “unless as a prisoner if they decide to arrest me again.”
The opposition doyen lost his cool when the state prosecutor, Rachael Nabwire asked for more time, saying investigations into the matter were still ongoing. Besigye said it is lack of seriousness on the part of the state to fail to conclude the investigations into his case for the past seven months.
“As you know this matter has been going on for over eight months and it has extremely constrained me coming to this court and the investigations are continuing without any end. It’s costly both in time and resources moving to this court over charges that are not going anywhere,” Besigye told court.
Adding that, “I would like to respectfully to inform court that I will not be able to come back over this matter. When they complete investigations, I can be notified to appear in court.”
Besigye also told court that there was no need for investigation, since he admitted that he declared himself winner of the February polls last year, which forms the basis of the treason charges against him. “If it’s an offence, we should start hearing how it becomes an offence on my declaration,” he said.
In his response, the magistrate, Noah Sajjabi told Besigye that his court lacks powers to determine whether he returns to court or not. Sajjabi advised Besigye to address his grievances to the High court, but insisted that he must return to court for the mention of his case on February 27.
“My advice to you as my predecessors have since advised you is that you should direct your concerns to the High court that has jurisdiction to hear the case. Court shall continue mentioning this case until further orders from the High court,” Sajjabi ruled.
Adding that, “I therefore adjourn the case to February 27 and the accused person is expected to appear before the court.” The four-time presidential candidate risks having his bail cancelled should he fail to Nakawa court for the mention of his case.