Veteran politician Dr. Kizza Besigye ended his hunger strike after being formally charged with treason at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday. He was subsequently remanded to Luzira prison.
His lawyer, Erias Lukwago, announced this immediately after the court proceedings, stating that Besigye would resume eating food provided by his supporters as he continues his fight for freedom.
“Now that Dr Besigye has been formally arraigned before the Magitrate’s Court on the charges of treason, he has decided to call off the hunger strike since now there’s a valid remand warrant. The reason he had gone on a hunger strike is clear, he was protesting against illegal incarceration
Besigye began his hunger strike on January 31, protesting his prolonged detention without a valid remand warrant. This protest followed the Supreme Court’s declaration that his previous trial before the General Court Martial was illegal. He argued that he was being held without pending charges or a court appearance.
With the new treason charges, Besigye’s legal team plans to apply for bail again and will deliver food to him at Luzira prison.
