Jailed Besigye set to run in poll

By Will Ross
BBC News, Kampala

Kizza Besigye was arrested after his return from exile

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has been granted permission to sign his presidential nomination papers from prison by the attorney general.

He is accused of treason and terrorism in civil and military courts.

The government says it has the evidence to convict Dr Besigye but his lawyers say the trials are designed to prevent him from competing in polls next year.

Meanwhile, Uganda's foreign minister has called for a speedy trial for President Yoweri Museveni's opponent.

Dr Besigye has been granted bail by the High Court, but remains in prison because of charges he faces in a military tribunal.

A constitutional court is to decide the legality of the two trials.

Photo shoot

Officials from Dr Besigye's Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party are expected to visit Luzira prison, where he is being held, on Wednesday.

If someone is alleged to have done a crime, the best you can do is give them a fair, transparent and speedy trial Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa

They will have to take three postcard-sized photographs of the presidential hopeful and get him to sign his nomination papers.

Prisons Commissioner Johnson Byabashaija said it was an unusual situation, but that the clearance had now been granted by the attorney general's office.

"No photos of prison buildings can be taken," he said, explaining that prison regulations will have to be adhered to - although the photograph could be taken anywhere inside the prison.

On Tuesday afternoon, Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa added his voice to those calling for a quick trial, but said the law had been followed.

"If someone is alleged to have done a crime, the best you can do is give them a fair, transparent and speedy trial," he said.

But as the case continues, the situation is becoming more bizarre and the thought of Dr Besigye taking on President Museveni from behind bars is not an impossibility.

Latigo Morris of the FDC said he doubts the case will be over before the election due in February or March.

He gave as an example the arrest of two opposition politicians last April.

They were charged with murder but the case is crawling along.