The High Court in Kampala has, on Monday, June 6, reviewed and overturned Dr. Kizza Besigye’s cash bail from Shs30 million to Shs3 million.
High Court Judge Micheal Elubu has revised the cash bail following an appeal filed by Dr Besigye challenging the Shs30 million cash bail slapped on him by Buganda Road Court Magistrate in a case of inciting violence.
Judge Elubu observed that the amount of UGX30m set by Buganda Road Court as bail for Besigye was harsh and excessive given the case at hand.
Dr Besigye was, on May 24, arrested in downtown Kampala for protesting against the high cost of living and escalating commodity prices and slapped with charges of incitement of violence.
Magistrate Siena Owomugisha granted Besigye a cash bail of Shs 30 million and each of his two sureties was bonded at Shs 70 million, not cash. The case was adjourned to June 16.
However, Besigye’s lawyer Erias Lukwago said the bail amount is outrageous since his client has been under preventive arrest at his home for almost two weeks and he has not been working.
The opposition strongman was later remanded at Luzira Upper Prison where he has been detained until today.