Besigye protests withdrawal of disobedience charges against him

Ugandan opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, has been relieved of one of the cases against him after the state withdrew the disobedience of lawful orders charges at the Kasangati Magistrate’s court in the capital on Friday.

The leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) however protested the withdrawal of the charges calling it a total abuse of power since it wasn’t the first time charges against him have been withdrawn by state prosecution, local media report.

“This is total abuse of power. The issue of the DPP abusing his office should be addressed. This is not the first time the state is withdrawing such a case,” Besigye said in court.

The prosecution led by lawyer Joseph Kyomuhendo told the court that they have the constitutional right to withdraw charges against anyone.

Besigye’s lawyer, Ernest Kalibala also asked for the case to be continued to its end to avoid any later implications by the state. “We have already had several witnesses testify in this case. Our fear is that the state may come up with another charge,” he said.

The disobedience of lawful orders charges were filed against the February 18 presidential election candidate when he was arrested immediately after his house arrest for leading a demonstration not sanctioned by the police.

For now, Kizza Besigye, who has been remanded at the Luzira Prison, only faces treason charges for swearing himself in as president of the country on May 11. Its hearing at the Nakawa Court in Kampala will resume on July 13.