Uganda's court system is flawed - Besigye

Dr. Kizza Besigye in the dock at the Nakawa Court. Photo by Roderick Ahimbazwe

Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye has said Uganda's court system is faulty because suspects waste a lot of time in courts which do not have jurisdictions to try them.

Besigye, currently battling treason charges made the comments on Wednesday after appearing at Nakawa Chief Magistrate's Court for mention of his case.

The case has been adjourned by Chief Magistrate Lillian Buchyana to November 16, for further mention after state prosecutor Deborah Itwau informed court that inquiries into the case are still ongoing.

Besigye is facing the charges over a video which circulated on social media in which he is seen being sworn in as president after the 2016 general elections.

It is also alleged that between February 18^th and May 11^th, Besigye, in various places in Wakiso and Kampala districts, incited people to overthrow the Government.

The four time presidential candidate is also accused of declaring himself president after claiming to have won the February 18^th polls.

He was arrested on May 11^th in Kampala, a day before President Yoweri Museveni took oath.

Besigye threatened to protest attending Nakawa Magistrate's Court proceedings again where the case is still under mention because he has wasted a lot of his time and resources but there is no progress.

"I am about to protest coming to this court. I will only continue to report to the High Court which released me on bail and has powers to try my case until inquiries are complete," he said.

Besigye flanked by Kawempe South MP Mubarak Munyagwa also told the media that there is no substance in the case against him and wondered why the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) sanctioned it.

"You cannot charge someone without any evidence against him. I think the Police should arrest someone depending on the evidence it has against him," Besigye said.

However, procedurally, criminal cases have to be mentioned first in the Magistrates Court until the completion of inquiries and the suspect is then sent to the High Court for trial.

At this stage, the DPP may also unconditionally drop charges against suspects for either lack of prosecution witnesses or any other issue under article 120 of the Constitution.