Nakawa Court Chief Magistrate James Ereemye Mawanda has denied a State application to move Dr. Kizza Besigye, the former Forum for Democratic Change-FDC party presidential candidate’s trial to Luzira over security reasons.
Dr. Besigye has this morning appeared before Nakawa Chief Magistrate, James Ereemye for the ruling on whether to have the mention of his treason case done at Nakawa or Luzira court.
This means that the hearing process will take place at Nakawa chief magistrates court instead of Luzira court.
The ruling follows an application by the state to transfer the trial of Besigye's treason case from Nakawa to Luzira court citing security reasons.
Nakawa Magistrate Ereemye also ruled that Dr. Besigye must always appear in Nakawa court where he was first arraigned.
During today’s hearing, Besigye told court that his heavily guarded cell which is a 'prison' within Luzira Prison. He also decried his arrest before investigations were carried out as prosecution seeks for more time to investigate.
According to the opposition iron man, prisons authorities have restricted his access to the court: “It appears my persecutors (the police) want me in a court where they are the only attendees.”
Besigye told court that some of his relatives and colleagues have been arrested and tortured in a bid to obtain information.
Heavily armed police deployed strategically around the court. Police also blocked Mbuya road to restrict access to the court. Only a handful of people including opposition leaders like Geoffrey Ekanya, the former Tororo County Member of Parliament, Erias Lukwago, The Kampala Lord Mayor, FDC party president Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu and journalists were allowed to access the court premises.
Prosecution counsel Doreen Elima asked court to give them two more weeks to conclude investigations into treason charge against Kizza Besigye.
Members of the public who tried to access the court premises were turned away.
Magistrate Ereemye adjourned the case to June 29th when he expects investigations to be completed.
