Rukungiri Court Issues Criminal Summons For Besigye

A Magistrates Court in Rukungiri District has issued criminal summons against Kizza Besigye, after he failed to appear in court where he’s facing an array of criminal charges.

Besigye, a former presidential candidate was not in court on Tuesday where he is charged with assault of policemen on duty and causing  malicious damage to property among others.

Grade one magistrate, Andrew Katurubukim, issued the summons and demanded Besigye appears at the next  hearing or else.

Besigye’s co accused FDC leader Patrick Amuriat, Innocent Tashobya, Ingrid Turinawe, Moses Byamukama, Fred Asiimwe and Darious Tweyambe were in court ready for hearing but the session flopped.

State attorney Charles Muhereza told court that he was ready to proceed and had three witnesses lines up and ready to testify in court.

However, Katurubukim, who was sitting in for the trial magistrate Julius Kyaka said court could not proceed in absence of one of the accused Besigye persons and the trial magistrate.

Besigye’s Lawyer Mark Mwesigye told court that his client was running late and had not skipped court deliberately.

Bail for Besigye’s co-accused was extended to April 12 and Criminal Summons were issued for Besigye also for the same date.

Besigye and the co-accused were arrested and taken on a rendition around the country following the death of a man who was shot dead by police during a skirmish at Rukungiri stadium in October last year.