Lawyers want Besigye released
A team of seven lawyers, led by Erias Lukwago and Earnest Kalibala, petitioned the Buganda Road Magistrates Court on Friday, demanding the immediate release of veteran politician Dr. Kiiza Besigye from Luzira Prison.
Lukwago argued that the court had previously granted Besigye bail, and with the Supreme Court’s nullification of the Court Martial, no other criminal charges remain against him. He asserted that Besigye’s continued detention is therefore illegal.
The lawyers contended that no person can be held on remand without a remand warrant, and that Besigye is unaware of why his right to liberty is being violated. They further claimed that Besigye is ill but is being denied access to his personal doctors.
The lawyers requested Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya to exercise her powers and halt the proceedings until these alleged human rights violations are addressed.
However, Senior State Attorney Allan Mucunguzi objected to the application, stating that Besigye’s liberty has not been violated since he was granted bail by the court.
Besigye is facing charges alongside activist Samuel Lubega Mukaaku for allegedly inciting violence during the June 2022 Kampala protests against high commodity prices. The prosecution alleges that Besigye and Mukaaku used a loudspeaker to urge people to overthrow the government, an act deemed incitement to violence.
The case has been adjourned until February 20, 2025, for a ruling. Prison authorities have been directed to produce Besigye in court on that day.
