Uganda’s main opposition leader refuses to answer to charges of terrorism

KAMPALA – Uganda’s main opposition leader again refused to answer terrorism charges in a military court on Friday, as a political crisis intensified in this east African country ahead of presidential elections next year.

Kizza Besigye first refused to enter a plea Thursday when charges of terrorism, which carry the death penalty, and illegal firearms possession were filed against him in the military court, which is controlled by the president’s trusted aides. Earlier this month, civilian prosecutors accused Besigye of treason.The military judge ordered Besigye held until the trial proper begins Dec 19.Later on Friday, the civil court granted bail, but Besigye remained imprisoned on the military charges.Besigye was greeted by huge crowds when he returned from exile last month to run for president.He has mounted the strongest challenge to President Yoweri Museveni’s 19-year rule.Museveni had been hailed as a reformer but his recent crackdown on Besigye has brought criticism from international allies and human rights organisations.”Nobody is trying to stop him from (running in) elections,” Museveni told reporters on Friday on the sidelines of a Commonwealth summit in Malta where he has faced pressure over the Besigye case.Museveni, who has ruled for 19 years, said the international community was unreasonably biased in favour of the Ugandan opposition.”I’ve begun to hear arguments that once you’re in the opposition, you’re above the law,” he said.Museveni dismissed concerns that Besigye’s human rights are being violated.”Engaging in terrorism is a threat” to human rights, Museveni said.In Kampala on Friday, Besigye’s lawyers argued that the civilian High Court has sole authority to try the politician.The head of the military court entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Besigye and 22 co-accused.- Nampa-APEarlier this month, civilian prosecutors accused Besigye of treason.The military judge ordered Besigye held until the trial proper begins Dec 19.Later on Friday, the civil court granted bail, but Besigye remained imprisoned on the military charges.Besigye was greeted by huge crowds when he returned from exile last month to run for president.He has mounted the strongest challenge to President Yoweri Museveni’s 19-year rule.Museveni had been hailed as a reformer but his recent crackdown on Besigye has brought criticism from international allies and human rights organisations.”Nobody is trying to stop him from (running in) elections,” Museveni told reporters on Friday on the sidelines of a Commonwealth summit in Malta where he has faced pressure over the Besigye case.Museveni, who has ruled for 19 years, said the international community was unreasonably biased in favour of the Ugandan opposition.”I’ve begun to hear arguments that once you’re in the opposition, you’re above the law,” he said.Museveni dismissed concerns that Besigye’s human rights are being violated.”Engaging in terrorism is a threat” to human rights, Museveni said.In Kampala on Friday, Besigye’s lawyers argued that the civilian High Court has sole authority to try the politician.The head of the military court entered a not guilty plea on behalf of Besigye and 22 co-accused.- Nampa-AP