KAMPALA – The court has postponed the trial of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye for 60 days due to his poor health. The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court made the decision, citing Besigye’s unstable health condition, which makes him unfit to stand trial.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, is facing charges of inciting violence over high commodity prices. His lawyers had applied for his immediate release, citing human rights violations, including his continued detention without a valid remand warrant and lack of access to his personal doctors.
“The violations complained of do not arise from this court,” said Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya. “A decision by this court on prayers made has the effect of creating parallel proceedings and the potential for conflicting decisions and judgments which curtails judicial efficiency.”
Nankya further stated that Besigye’s lawyers had filed similar applications before the High Court, which has superior powers. To avoid parallel and multiple decisions, Nankya advised that Besigye awaits the outcome from the High Court.
“The application made by defence counsel in this court is hereby dismissed, the same having been improperly made before this court,” Nankya ruled.
The prosecution, however, argued that there were no human rights violations warranting a stay of proceedings, as Besigye had been granted bail and was legally held in prison.
Besigye’s lawyers had argued that their client’s health was deteriorating due to his continued detention. They claimed that Besigye was not receiving adequate medical attention and that his life was in danger.
The court stayed the proceedings to allow Besigye to restore his health, with his bail extended until further notice. Besigye and his co-accused, Samuel Mukaku, are facing trial for allegedly demonstrating against skyrocketing commodity prices in Kampala City.
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