The two opposition politicians failed to show up in Court on Thursday, July 27, 2023, for a continuation of their case in which they are accused of inciting violence.
The lawyer representing both politicians, Matovu Musa, told the Court that his clients are out of the country, but senior state prosecutor Ivan Kyazze objected, saying there is no documentation to that effect, thus prompting trial Magistrate Asuman Muhumuza to issue an arrest warrant for the two.
Besigye and Mukaaku are again scheduled to appear before the Court on August 27, 2023, according to court documents.
The pair was arrested while protesting against skyrocketing commodity prices in Kampala and eventually released on bail. They pleaded not guilty to one count of instigation to violence on June 14, 2022, at Kikuubo Shawurayako in Kampala City, according to the prosecution.
"We received a ruling today from the trial Magistrate ordering the arrest of the two accused [Besigye and Mukaaku]." A warrant for their arrest was issued, and criminal summonses were issued to all of their sureties. "I see it as an irregular ruling because I informed the trial Magistrate that the matter had gone off the rails on February 27th, 2023," their lawyer Matovu Musa said.
The accused allegedly addressed members of the public at an assembly without any legal justification, hinting that while it would be beneficial for them to demonstrate, it could result in violence and property destruction.