Court issues production warrant in Besigye treason case

Chief Magistrates Court at Nakawa has issued a production warrant to Luzira Prison authorities to produce former Presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye who is battling charges of treason to court.

On Wednesday, Chief Magistrate James Ereemye Kabanda issued the warrant to compel prison officers to present Besigye, 60, before court on June 15, 2016 for mention of his case.

"I have listened to the submissions of prosecution and their application, the accused is not present in court yet he was supposed to be produced today for mention of his case. I therefore issue a production warrant for his appearance," he ordered.

 The presiding magistrate disclosed that he will rule on whether to transfer Besigye to a magistrates' court based at Luzira or not on the same date (June 15).

 Issuance of the production warrant by the magistrate was prompted by Senior Principal State Prosecutor; Lino Anguzu, who told court that Besigye, was not produced in court because of specific security threat.

 He also made an application for the transfer of the case from Nakawa Court to Luzira Court.

"After hearing those threats, prison authorities could not take chances," Anguzu said. He was assisted by Senior State Prosecutors - Thomas Jatiko and Doreen Elima.

 Anguzu disclosed that one of the reasons Besigye was transferred from the Chief Magistrate Court based in Moroto district to Nakawa Court is because of security threats.

 Submissions by prosecution prompted Besigye supporters, who were donned in black t-shirts, bearing his portrait to protest, asking for a speedy trial. They were packed in court.

 "We pray for expeditious hearing of the matter if teh State believes Besigye committed an offence so that we get justice," FDC leader Mugisha Muntu said.

"The courts are operating before and beyond time. Last time we were told he would be charged by 9:00am but by 8:30 he had already been charged. We need transparency in government," he noted.

Other opposition leaders present in court were: Erias Lukwago, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Winnie Kizza, Ingrid Turinawe, Francis Mwijukye, Betty Nambooze, Roland Mugume, and Lubega Medard Sseggona.

"There is no treason in holding the bible and praying to God. He (Besigye) had no gun and must be set free," Turinawe said.

Lukwago disclosed that Besigye told him that he was psychologically and emotionally strong and ready to stand trial. "The last time I visited Besigye in Luzira Prison, he told me that he was ready to stand trial no matter what."