By Our Reporter
FORT PORTAL: The Forum for Democratic Change {FDC} President Patrick Oboi Amuriat {POA} has condemned the arrest and detention of the party founder Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye.
Amuriat made the condemnation on Monday during the FDC 2021 post election review and audit meeting of the first leg of Tooro subregion at Kijjaguzo Hotel in Fortportal Tourism City.
The party president condemned the exorbitant bail condition of 30 million that was slapped on Col.Dr. Kizza Besigye the leader of People’s Front for Transition (PFT).
”If Police bond is free, why can’t a court bail be free, freedom is a fundamental right which can’t be bought expensively,” he stressed.
The politician further assured the Tooro leaders that the Party stands in solidarity with the campaign Dr. Besigye is involved in fighting for reduction of the prices of essential commodities and that the Party is doing whatever it takes to ensure Col. Besigye regains his freedom.
”FDC stands in solidarity with the campaign Dr. Besigye is involved in fighting for reduction of the prices of essential commodities and that the party is doing whatever it takes to ensure Col. Besigye regains his freedom,” he assured.
The former presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye was remanded to Luzira Prison after he refused to pay Shs30 million cash for his bail following his arrest over renewed protests against government inaction to cushion Ugandans against the skyrocketing commodity prices.
Besigye was arrested on 24th May 2022 in down town Kampala where he had gone to mobilise Ugandans to ‘wake up’ and protest the high commodity prices as well as what he described as the ‘stupid succession birthdays’.
After his arrest, the People’s Front for Transition (PFT) leader was whisked to Naggalama police station in Mukono District where he spent a night in the cells.
He was on 25th May 2022 arraigned before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala and charged with incitement to violence.
State told court presided over by Grade One Magistrate, Siena Owomugisha that Besigye on May 24, 2022 at Arua Park – Munno Village in Kampala City, without any lawful excuse at an assembly addressed members of the public implying that it would be desirable for them to demonstrate, yet this act can result into violence and destruction of property.
The four-time presidential contender pleaded not guilty to the charges before applying to be released on bail.
He presented former Bukooli Central MP and ex-Leader of Opposition in Parliament Wafula Oguttu and FDC deputy secretary General Harold Kaija as his sureties.
After being denied a chance to directly address court, the veteran opposition politician, through his lawyer, Mr Erias Lukwago, asked court to consider previous circumstances that led to his May 24 arrest before setting his bail conditions.
He told the magistrate that despite a Constitutional Court order that restrained police from imprisoning him at his home, his rights to free movement had been curtailed since May 12, 2022 as police blocked him on three occasions from leaving his house in Kasangati, Wakiso District under the unlawful preventive arrest.
Besigye, through his lawyer, also told court that since police have consistently violated his Constitutional right to earn a living, he should not be given a cash bail.
However, the magistrate in her ruling said she was not convinced with Besigye’s plea before ordering him to pay Shs30 million cash, and bonded each of his sureties at Shs70 million not cash.
Besigye then opted to be remanded as his lawyers appealed against the cash bail condition for his release.
After court proceedings, Dr Besigye said he considers the cash bail condition as an extension of the injustices he has faced for a long time.
“Buganda Road Court, where I’ve been charged with “Inciting violence”, has just granted me a cash bail of Shs 30m! I consider this an extension of the injustices I’ve faced for a long time. I’ve asked my lawyers to appeal it as I endure remand. All Ugandans should stand firm Vs injustices,” he tweeted.
Besigye is expected to return to court on July 16, 2022 for further mention of the case.
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