The Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate Asuman Muhumuza has ordered the immediate release of a meshed car belonging to opposition strongman Dr, Kizza Besigye used in his recent protests
The People’s Front for Transition (PFT) leader was in July 2022, intercepted in downtown Kampala while staging a protest on high commodity prices, his car a registration number UAK 773K was consequently towed to Central Police Station (CPS) where it has since been impounded.
Besigye’s lawyers led by Erias Lukwago petitioned the Buganda Magistrate’s Court to release his car on grounds that it has nothing to do with his ongoing case of incitement to violence before the same court.
Lukwago told the Court that the car is needed to perform other duties like transporting the accused from his Kasangati residence to Buganda Road court for proceedings.
In her ruling, the Grade One Magistrate ordered for its release stressing that there is no way the vehicle incited violence as it was alleged by the police officer during the cross examination last week.
The State represented by Ivan Kyaze however was objecting the prayer saying that this vehicle could still be used for protest again since it was designed in way of protection.
The Magistrate adjourned to 14th December 2022 for further hearing of the main matter.
However after court, the defense stated that they are optimistic and they are now embarking on getting the vehicle back.
“The vehicle has no relevance to the matter before court. because the matter is about incitement to violence . So Court has directed that the vehicle be released to him and we will ensure the court order will be respected.Hopefully they will not raise any other issue or get into hide and seek.” Lukwago says
Dr Besigye through his pressure group, PFT protested twice in downtown Kampala, mobilizing Ugandans to protest the high cost of living.