DPP denies receiving Museveni directive to charge Besigye, Lukwago with treason

KAMPALA- The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr Mike Chibita, has denied receiving any directive from President Museveni to have former FDC president Kizza Besigye and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago charged with treason after their recent detention by police for about three days.

The DPP’s denial was contained in a press statement on Friday evening, rebutting allegations against him by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mr Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who was condemning the arrest and detention of Dr Besigye and Mr Lukwago as illegal.

In his full statement, Mr Mafabi alleged that President Museveni had directed the DPP to slap treason charges against Dr Besigye and Mr Lukwago.

Treason is a capital offence that attracts a death sentence on conviction.
Dr Besigye and Mr Lukwago were arrested last week by police and detained in separate places after they were blocked from addressing their supporters on the ruling of the KCCA tribunal, which recommended the removal of the Lord Mayor from office for incompetence, abuse of office and misconduct.