Former FDC presidential candidate Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye is this morning appearing before high court judge Justice Masalu Musene for the ruling on his bail application.
On Monday, the judge postponed the ruling to today after listening to both sides of the state and defense’s arguments.
Besigye sought Bail on grounds that he is of advanced age as he is 60 years old, that he has been on remand since May 2016, he has a permanent place of residence in Kasangati, and he is willing to appear before high court as required. Besigye also argues that he has substantial sureties willing to guarantee Bail conditions.
On Monday, Besigye presented 4 sureties including Major General Mugisha Muntu, the FDC party president, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, the FDC secretary general, Roland Kaginda Mugume, the Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament and Lubaga Division Mayor, Joyce Sebugwawo.
This morning, police heavily deployed at court and traffic is being diverted to roads that have no connection with the High court premises.
Several roads leading to and around the high court in the heart of Kampala have been closed.
Military police, anti-riot police, anti-terrorism police, traffic police, regular police and plain clothed security personnel are visible in the city center keeping watch of the closed roads.
Norman Musinga, the Kampala metropolitan traffic commander says road diversions are because this is a sensitive case and that they always provide alternative routes. “Road diversions are a bit inconveniencing but it is temporal."
Geofrey Kahebwa, the Kampala South RPC says deployment and road diversions are part of their normal routine and it is also to keep 'Kifeesi' away. He swears that, "Whoever tries to cause disorder will be handled.”
Security has blocked a section of journalists from accessing the high court building, arguing that they behaved in a sympathetic manner to Besigye during the bail application hearing.
The Van carrying Besigye arrived at High court at 09:00am this morning, the time initially scheduled by the Judge.
