The Director of Public Prosecutions has taken over the case of detained opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, following a Supreme Court ruling that declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.
The move marks a significant step towards resolving the confusion surrounding the implementation of the landmark decision. Besigye’s file, along with those of other civilians, has been transferred from the Court Martial to the DPP’s office, according to Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi.
A team of prosecutors has been constituted to handle the investigative files transmitted from the General Court Martial and other military courts. Technical teams will review the files to advise on the next course of action.
Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, was arraigned before a civilian court last week but was sent back to prison. His lawyers had filed a habeas corpus application, seeking his release due to government delays in implementing the Supreme Court ruling.
The High Court is expected to rule on the application by February 25. Besigye’s legal team has been pushing for his release, citing unlawful detention and denial of access to better medical care outside prison.
The development is seen as a positive step towards upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of civilians in Uganda. However, it remains to be seen how the DPP’s office will handle the case and whether Besigye will be released from detention.
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