Besigye set to appear in court

SOURCE: THE DAILY MONITOR, 13 JUNE 2011

FDC president Kizza Besigye has returned into the country after seeking treatment in the US for injuries he sustained during the walk-to-work campaign.

Dr Besigye arrived at Entebbe International Airport yesterday morning, airport security sources said yesterday.
He is expected to appear in court several times this week over the walk-to-work protests.

Three files of holding unlawful assembly are set for mention in Kasangati Magistrate’s Court today while on Wednesday, Dr Besigye has to appear at Nabweru Chief Magistrate on similar cases.

Nearly two months ago, security agencies blocked and violently arrested Dr Besigye as he walked from his home in Kasangati, Wakiso District to his workplace in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, on charges of obstructing traffic.The walk-to-work campaign was organised by Activists for Change, a pressure group formed to press government to address the soaring fuel and commodity prices.

Pepper spray
Several demonstrations followed after his brutal arrest, in which his eyes and back were drenched with pepper spray, causing him temporary blindness.

On Thursday, Dr Besigye is also expected to appear at Kasangati Magistrate’s Court to answer charges of holding an unlawful assembly.
Police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba confirmed Dr Besigye’s arrival and said they have no problem with him coming back to his country but cautioned him against engaging in “unsanctioned” walk-to-work campaign today.

While in the US, Dr Besigye said on Straight Talk Africa programme on Voice of America, that he met Johnnie Carson, the US Secretary of State for African Affairs. The US is one of the major donors to Uganda and an ally to President Museveni’s government.