The Uganda Human Rights Tribunal has finally commenced the hearing of Dr. Besigye’s case filed seven years ago regarding human rights violations stemming from the 2016 presidential elections where Dr. Besigye was a candidate.

In 2016, the police led by the then assistant inspector of police, Felix Kaweesi raided the FDC (Forum For Democratic Change)  head offices in Najjanankumbi and arrested Dr. Besigye, a presidential candidate at the time, Maj.Gen. Mugisha Muntu the then party president and Ingrid Turinawe the party national secretary at the time.

The police is said to have suspected the FDC leaders then of setting up an unauthorized tally center and prematurely announcing the election results.

Dr. Besigye submits that he endured subsequent unlawful arrests and torture at the hands of security personnel. His home was under constant police surveillance preventing him from contacting his lawyers and receiving visitors. This also handicapped him from challenging the election results at the time.

Represented by himself but advised by Erias Lukwago, Besigye requested compensation for physical torture he allegedly endured at the hands of security personnel which left evident marks on his body, compensation from government for the business loses he incurred during the time he was unable to conduct transaction. He demanded reimbursement for the expenses he incurred for being prevented from boarding flights by security operatives on multiple occasions.

Mugisha Muntu and Ingrid Turinawe testified as witnesses corroborating Dr. Besigye’s evidence to torture and unlawful detention by police.

Mugisha Muntu in the middle- front bench.

The commission chaired by Miriam Wangadya has other commissioners including; Simeo Nsubuga, Shifra Lukwago, and Omara Lamex. Miriam Wangadya has assured address of justice and impartial hearing to both parties.

Besigye has however expressed concern over the delay of address of justice in his case, filed in 2016- his petition only commences hearing today, seven years after.

The chairperson of the Tribunal has acknowledged significant delay portioning part of the reason to a two year period that the tribunal had no commissioner, limiting the commission’s work.

The hearing has been adjourned to an unspecified date for the hearing of the accused.

COURTESY PHOTO.