Police Arrest Besigye in Rukungiri Over Fresh Charges

Former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Dr. Kizza Besigye has been rearrested shortly after Rukungiri Chief Magistrate’s court extended his bail to February 20, 2018.

Besigye together with FDC secretary for Mobilisation Ingrid Turinawe, Rukungiri District Councilor Innocent Tashobya, Joseph Akankwasta Bamuhangire and Darius Tweyambe both FDC activists had today appeared before the chief magistrate Julius Borore in a case they allegedly committed on October 19.

The magistrate had extended their bail to February 20, 2018 for further mention.

Besigye, Turinawe, FDC presidential candidate Patrick Amuriat and Tashobya were arrested in Rukungiri on October 19 as they travelled to the neighbouring Kabale District to address a rally.

They were charged with two counts of inciting violence, malicious damage to property and disobedience of statutory duty. They denied the charges and the case was then adjourned to November 16 for mention and setting of trial dates.

The accused through their lawyer Mark Mwesigye, today asked court to dismiss the case on ground that the state prosecutor was not in court.

State prosecutors are currently on a sit-down strike over low pay.

After being arrested, Dr Beisgye, his driver; Fred Kato, his aide Ronald Muhinda and Ingrid Turinawe were taken to Mbarara.

The Kigezi Regional Police Commander Denis Namuwoza said that they were arrested because they were to appear in Mbarara court to answer new charges they allegedly committed in the district alongside Amuriat and Kawempe South MP Mubarrack Munyagwa.

Mr Amuriat and Munyagwa early today appeared in Mbarara Chief Magistrate’s Court and they were granted bail.