Besigye's Trial Continues Under Heavy Guard and Road Closures

On 21st January 2025, security around Buganda Road Court is very tight as the trial of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye continues. Many police officers are present, and roads leading to the court have been blocked.

Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura shared on social media that access to the court has been restricted due to these security measures. The strict enforcement follows a new production warrant that was issued to ensure Besigye appears in court after previous delays.

The charges against Besigye go back to June 2022, when he and Samuel Lubega Mukaaku allegedly organized a rally in Kampala that authorities say was meant to incite violence. According to the prosecution, they addressed a crowd from their vehicle despite police instructions to stop. Their vehicle was seized during the incident and has not been returned. Besigye has faced similar charges before, with some cases being dismissed due to insufficient evidence.

During the last hearing on 9th January 2025, the Chief Magistrates Court at Buganda Road ordered the Uganda Prisons Service to bring Besigye to court. However, his lawyer Erias Lukwago complained that Besigye was not present despite being informed that he was in custody at Luzira prison. Lukwago argued that it was the state’s responsibility to ensure Besigye appeared in court and that failure to do so should lead to penalties.

State Attorney Allan Mucunguzi responded by saying that Besigye was out on bail for this case. He explained that it was the duty of his legal team to serve the production warrant to the prison authorities. Mucunguzi admitted that there was a mistake but suggested that a new warrant be issued. He also assured the court that the prosecution was ready, with witnesses such as Detective Stephen Oryema available to testify.

Lukwago disagreed, insisting that since the state controls prisons, it was their responsibility to bring Besigye to court. He argued that if Besigye could not attend, the trial should be postponed until he was present.

Also read:Controversial Claims: Why Is Dr. Besigye Still Free Despite Alleged Plot Against Museveni

Magistrate Winnie Nankya listened to both sides and ruled that it would be wrong to conclude the case while knowing Besigye’s whereabouts. She ordered a fresh production warrant and instructed that Besigye be brought to court today, with the prosecution’s witnesses also ready to testify.

As the hearing begins, tensions are high, and the heavy security presence suggests concerns over potential unrest. Supporters and critics of Besigye have gathered near the court, adding to the charged atmosphere.