The General Court Martial has sent Forum for Democratic Change presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye, on remand until December 19, 2005; 4 days after presidential nominations for next year's elections have closed.
The chairman of the General Court Martial, Gen. Elly Tumwiine, remanded Kizza Besigye and 22 suspected members of the rebel People's Redemption Army when they were brought before court yesterday morning.
The Electoral Commmission on Thursday announced that presidential nominations will be held on December 14th and 15th. The order by the General Court Martial means Besigye will miss his own nomination as his party's presidential candidate.
Earlier this week, the Forum for Democratic Change spokesperson, Wafula Oguttu, predicted that Besigye's time in jail would be extended. He said that despite this set back, the party would nominate Besigye in absentia.
//Cue in: iDr. Besigye will not miss #i
Cue out: i# do exactly that.i//
During the hearing at the General Court Martial yesterday, the accused once again refused to speak when asked to enter a plea to charges of terrorism and possession of illegal firearms leveled against them. Because of their silence, Gen. Tumwiine entered not guilty charges on their behalf.
The court hearing passed without the drama that has characterized the trial of Dr. Besigye. The defence attempted to have the hearings ruled out of order, saying that under the Trial Indictments Act, cases of terrorism can only be tried by the High Court. However court said the Act also applies to the work of the General Court Martial and asserted that it would proceed with the case.
Kizza Besigye was taken to the High Court yesterday afternoon for the hearing of a second trial in which he is accused of treason and rape.
