Former FDC presidential candidate Dr. Kiiza Besigye has filed an application in the Criminal Division of the High Court seeking to block his continued appearance before Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court where his treason case is being mentioned.
The application was fixed for hearing on he 22nd March before the head of the Criminal Division Justice Wilson Kwesiga.Dr. Besigye who had reported before the registrar of the criminal division of the High Court, Emmanuel Baguma, in fulfillment of his bail conditions, told journalists that if his application is granted, it will save him the time and resources he spends coming to the lower court that lacks jurisdiction to try capital offences like treason.
Besigye has reported to Nakawa court for the last eight months since he was charged with treason. The state says the investigations are not yet complete so he cannot be committed to the High Court for trial.
On his last appearance, Besigye told Nakawa Grade One Magistrate Noah Sajjabi that he would not return to the court for mention of his case unless he is arrested and brought as a prisoner like has happened many times.
The treason charges stem from a video recording in May last year that went viral on social media, which showed Besigye reportedly swearing in as the president of Uganda after claimed that he won the presidential elections of February 2016.
Besigye will report again before the High Court deputy registrar on 20th March 2017 and he is expected again at the Nakawa Magistrates Court for the mention of his case on 25th February.