Besigye’s trial over inciting violence starts

The hearing of a case in which former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president Kizza Besigye is accused of inciting violence, has kicked off today (October, 24) at the Buganda Road Court in Kampala.

The offence stems from Besigye’s June 14, 2022, protest against the skyrocketing commodities prices in the country.

Besigye is battling the offence alongside former Rubaga South Constituency parliamentary candidate Samuel Lubega Mukaaku of the Democratic Party Bloc.

The court is being presided over by Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate Asuman Muhumuza.

Besigye, 66, is accused of illegally addressing the public and “indicating” or implying that it would be desirable to demonstrate, an act which was calculated to lead to destruction or damage to property.

Under Section 83 (1) of the Penal Code Act, the offence attracts 14-year imprisonment, upon conviction.

The prosecution alleges that on May 24, 2022, at Arua Park in Kampala business centre, Besigye without lawful excuse made statements to the public that it would be desirable to demonstrate because of high prices of commodities, an act the state argues would lead to violence and destruction of property.

In June, this year, Grade One Magistrate Siena Owomugisha slapped a sh30m cash bail against Besigye, but High Court judge Michael Elubu revised the cash bail from sh30m to sh3m following Besigye’s appeal.

His sureties were the former leader of the Opposition in Parliament Wafula Ogutu, and FDC deputy secretary general Harlod Kaija.