Uganda: Charges against opposition leader Kizza Besigye dropped
By Nangayi Guyson – Kampala – Ugandan court has dropped all charges against opposition leader Kizza Besigye in connection with this year’s cost of living protests.
Kizza Besigye was arrested four times and accused of inciting violence during the protests, in which Ugandans were urged to walk to work.
On another occasion, he was beaten by police which sparked more protests. Human rights groups condemned the suppression of the protests, in which at least nine people died.
Magistrate George Wetyekere acquitted Mr Besigye of the three remaining charges – disobeying lawful orders, rioting after proclamation and incitement of violence.
Another charge of inciting violence had already been dropped. The magistrate also stressed that the public had the right to hold public demonstrations.
Mr Besigye sought medical treatment in Kenya after he was assaulted and sprayed with pepper spray in his car in April.
He says the charges were political. Besiege Speaking to reporters after Court hearing in Kampala, Said ” In 2006 government accused me treason and rape which has done much to spoil my name both nationally and internationally”. He also accused president Museveni and other NRM politicians for always being behind his torture and promised to continue demonstrating if the government doesn’t respond to peoples matters.
Mr Besigye was defeated in February’s presidential election but says it was rigged. The government accused Mr Besigye of trying to organise an Egypt-style uprising and seeking to gain power through the streets after losing the election.
