We are wasting time, says Besigye at court

KAMPALA - Opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye has called for the abolition of a judicial law which states that suspected criminals of capital offences should appear before a magistrates court - which has no jurisdiction to handle such cases.

He said the system, with roots from the colonial administration, is wastage of court and suspects' time and money.

The FDC politician made these remarks Friday shortly after his treason case was adjourned until next month - September 12 - by Nakawa Chief Magistrate James Ereemye Mawanda.

This was after prosecution led by Principal State Attorney,  Lino Anguzu told court that investigations are still incomplete.

"I will talk to people at parliament and the Attorney General to see if amendments of the laws can be done so that capital offenders are directly taken to High Court for trial," said Besigye.

This, he added, will improve the justice system of Uganda.

He also pleaded with court to dismiss the treason charges against him over delays in investigation.

Dressed in a grey pair of trousers, dark coat and blue shirt, Besigye asked court to dismiss the case, saying that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has powers to re-instate the case whenever they are ready.

"I believe you should put an end to the abuse of court processes. Public prosecutors previously promised that they were seeking two weeks to conclude investigations but all in vain."