Court issues summons after Besigye no-show

Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Dr. Kiiza Besigye has been summoned to appear in court to answer charges of treason. 

Grade one Magistrate Noah Ssajjabi today summoned Besigye after he failed to turn up in court. He is now required to appear in court on March 27, 2017. 

The last time Besigye appeared in court, he vowed never to report back for mention of his case, citing delays in investigations. 

Prosecution alleges that between February 18 and May 11, 2016, Besigye, in various places in Wakiso and Kampala districts, incited the public to overthrow the government. 

He is also accused of declaring himself the head of state after claiming to have won the 2016 presidential elections. 

According to the DPP, this is against the legal prescribed processes through which one can ascend to the office of the president. 

Besigye said he was arrested on May 13, 2016 and charged in Moroto Court before he was airlifted to Kampala to be freshly charged at Nakawa Court. 

After court Besigye proceeded to the High Court in Kampala to appear before the criminal registrar Mary Eleanor Khainza who signed his bail papers and extended his bail to December 16, 2016. He was accompanied by lawyer Earnest Kalibala. 

The registrar revised Besigye's bail condition from reporting twice a month to once. This is after Besigye requested for it through his lawyer. 

Police also intercepted Besigye at Uganda House as he proceeded to lawyer Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi's chambers.