By Our Reporter
The Nakawa Court Chief Magistrate Her Worship Christine Nantege, has denied granting mandatory bail as stipulated by the constitution to Dr Kizza Besigye, his co accused Hajji Obeid Lutale and Capt Denis Oola saying that her court lacked the jurisdiction to grant bail and referred the bail application to the High Court.
Her Worship Nantege while further remanding the accused noted that such authority rests solely with the High Court and advised the defence to file an application in the High Court.
Last week, the court adjourned after the state requested to amend the charge sheet, a move opposed by the defence lawyers, citing the absence of their lead lawyer, Martha Karua.
However court’s decision to deny the trio bail has caused an uproar amongst supporters of the Former FDC president.
Human rights lawyer Counsel Kiiza Eron amongst others said the court’s action was a classic political persecution and abuse of the legal process.
“What the current @GovUganda through @ODPPUGANDA is doing with the undisguised cooperation of @JudiciaryUG in Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court: to use committal proceedings to frustrate the mandatory bail of Besigye & his co-accused is classic POLITICAL PERSECUTION & abuse of the legal process” Counsel Kiiza posted on his X handle on Thursday.
According to Uganda’s constitution, Article 23(6) (c) provides that suspects held over 180 days without committal for trial are entitled to Mandatory bail.
