Opposition leader arrested in Uganda

UGANDA’S military tribunal has ordered the main opposition leader to appear for trial today.

However, opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s wife and lawyer said that confidential access to his lawyers has been prevented during preparation for his trial, on charges that carry the death penalty.

Two senior prison officers insist on sitting within hearing distance when lawyers meet Mr Besigye at the Luzira Maximum Security Prison to plot defence strategy, his wife, Winnie Byanyima, said.

Mr Besigye, the first credible challenger to President Yoweri Museveni’s 19-year rule, has denied treason and rape charges at a civilian court as well as charges of terrorism and illegal possession of firearms at a military tribunal. Convictions on terrorism or treason carry the death penalty.

“It is just incredible that they have openly denied him all the usual rights of a prisoner. The state has placed charges against him, but he is forced to discuss his defence in front of state officials,” Ms Byanyima said.

Mr Besigye is unable to craft a defence strategy since “he cannot have a confidential discussion with his lawyers about how he should plead and about evidence that they have before them,” Ms Byanyima said.

Assistant Commissioner for Prisons Wycliffe Kururagyire said the claims were not true.

Mr Museveni is under pressure from within his party to release Mr Besigye. Leaders argue that it would be politically suicidal for him to run for re-election against a prisoner, the local press has reported.