Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) former presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye, was on Monday denied bail at High Court in Kampala. Besigye had fronted advanced age as top ground for bail.
Dr Besigye’s lawyer, Ernest Kalibbala told court that the opposition leader’s advanced age, the fact that he will to comply with bail terms, has a permanent place of aboard, uncertainty on treason trial commencement and that he had complied on previous occasions.
The state, however, objected to Dr. Besigye’s request to be released on non-cash bond saying bail is not automatic and also demanded proof that Dr Besigye is 60 years old.
“Being 60 years old is not an exceptional circumstance for him to be released on bail,” the Principle State Attorney Florence Akello retaliated infront of Judge Musane.
“He can be cross-examined for confirmation,” Dr Besigye’s lawyer Kalibbala said on State’s request for evidence on client’s age.
State went ahead to insist that the suspect (Besigye) carried on with defiance campaign activities, a total disregard of a court order.
Besigye had presented sureties among them; FDC president Mugisha Muntu, Rukungiri MP Roland Mugume, Budadiri West MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi, Rubaga’s Joyce Sebugwawo and Francis Mwijukye.
Presiding Judge, Masalu Musene, adjourned the bail application until the 12th July when he will make a ruling.
However, Dr Besigye said whether court grants him bail or not, he will be released because treason charges will be dropped. He said the DPP should expedite investigation process.
He was speaking to a team of 14 FDC supporters and leaders from Kabarole District who visited him at Luzira prison on Friday afternoon.
Besigye who is charged with treason, said he wants the law to take its course.
