Kampala, Uganda — The hearing of the inciting violence case against retired Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court faced a setback on Tuesday when he failed to appear, citing indisposition. In a handwritten letter dated February 13, 2025, addressed to Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya, Besigye stated he was unwell and unable to attend court.
The letter was delivered by Officer in Charge of Luzira Upper Prison, Simon Peter Siima. However, Besigye’s legal team, led by Erias Lukwago, raised concerns about the letter’s authenticity, arguing that they had been denied access to their client since Friday. Lukwago indicated plans to write to the Commissioner General of Prisons and visit Besigye to verify his condition.
Uganda Prisons Services Spokesperson Frank Baine, however, dismissed claims that Besigye was unwell, stating, “He is not unwell. He has no problem. He is just refusing to go to court.” Baine suggested that Besigye saw no benefit in repeatedly attending court while remaining incarcerated.
The prosecution, represented by State Attorney Allan Mucunguzi, requested a production warrant after witnesses failed to appear. Magistrate Nankya issued the warrant, compelling Luzira Prisons to produce Besigye in court on February 14, 2025. Besigye remains incarcerated on separate charges from the General Court Martial, despite being out on bail for the incitement case