Rukungiri: Magistrate issues criminal summons for FDC's Kizza Besigye

Court in Rukungiri District has today issued criminal sermons against former presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye, after he failed to appear in court on Tuesday to answer charges of malicious damage to property, assault of police officers and disobedience of lawful orders.

Grade one magistrate, Andrew Katurubukim, issued the summons today morning after Besigye’s co-accused FDC president , Patrick Oboi Amuriat, FDC secretary for mobilization ; Ingrid Turinawe, Darious Tweyambe, Innocent Tashobya, Moses Byamukama and Fred Asiimwe appeared in court over the same charges.

“Court cannot proceed with hearing of the case in absence of the accused number one who is not in court and also that the trial magistrate is absent. Criminal summons is extended to A1 and bail is extended for A1 to A8 until April 12, 2018,” Mr Katurubuki said.

The senior resident state attorney for Rukungiri, Charles Muhereza who represented state in court said he was ready to proceed with the hearing before presenting three witnesses before the magistrate.

However, the case was adjourned to 12th April 2018.