Former Ugandan presidential candidate remanded to jail

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - Former Ugandan presidential candidate and founder of a leading opposition political party was remanded to prison Wednesday.

The action came after Kizza Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change party was charged in the Kampala magistrate court with holding demonstrations without following public order.

The law requires that before holding a rally, police must be notified so authorities can manage security.

Besigye was arraigned and charged with holding an unlawful demonstration and incitement to violence.

The state prosecutor told magistrate Siena Owomugisha that Besigye demonstrated on May 24 without lawful permission.

Besigye pleaded not guilty and applied for bail.

Owomugisha ordered Besigye to pay a 30 million shillings ($8,955) bond.

Besigye said he did not have the money and was sent to the Luzira prison until June 16.

“I consider this an extension of the injustices I’ve faced for a long time,” he told reporters as he left the court.