President Yoweri Museveni has addressed concerns surrounding the arrest and detention of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, asserting that the focus should be on ensuring a swift trial rather than advocating for political reconciliation or forgiveness.
In a statement on Tuesday, Museveni acknowledged the concerns raised by some Ugandans regarding Besigye’s remand on serious charges.
“I have seen concerns from some Ugandans regarding Dr. Besigye’s remand for the very serious offenses he is alleged to have been planning,” Museveni stated. “If you want a stable country, the more pertinent question should be: ‘Naye Dr. Besigye bamukwatira ki? Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?’ The answer to that is a quick trial so that the facts emerge.”
Museveni’s remarks come amid growing unease over Besigye’s health. Currently held at Luzira Maximum Security Prison on charges of illegal possession of firearms and treachery, Besigye appeared weak in court on Friday, where he also faced additional charges of inciting violence.
On Sunday, his family raised alarms about his deteriorating condition, revealing that prison authorities had suddenly allowed his personal doctor to visit—an abrupt shift from their earlier refusal. The family expressed fears that this change indicated a significant decline in Besigye’s health and warned that Museveni would bear full responsibility for any harm that befell him.
Meanwhile, activists have taken to the streets, demanding Besigye’s release. Several demonstrators have been arrested in the process.
In response, Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to accountability, contrasting the country’s current stability with its turbulent past. He referenced historical figures such as Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, and Edward Mutesa, who suffered under previous regimes, to highlight what he sees as progress in upholding justice.
“We are now able to remember [them]… moving through a peaceful Uganda and traveling on good tarmac roads because the freedom fighters sacrificed themselves and defeated Idi Amin and all the other killers,” Museveni noted.
Besigye’s detention has sparked heated debate, with many claiming the charges against him are politically motivated, while government officials insist they are necessary for national security.
Museveni reiterated that those posing a threat to national security must face the full force of the law.
“We are not for vengeance, but the danger of the killers must be removed,” he said, implying that Besigye’s legal process should proceed without political interference.
Addressing concerns over Besigye’s health, Museveni dismissed allegations of medical neglect, emphasizing that prison facilities include a government hospital and that Besigye’s personal doctors have been granted access.
“Dr. Besigye’s doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics. If additional medical care were needed, the government would be advised,” he stated.
Museveni also criticized Besigye’s reported hunger strike, arguing that it was a tactic to garner public sympathy.
“Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and then respond with a hunger strike to gain sympathy for bail? Why not demand a quick trial?” he questioned. “The military court was ready for trial. Let us wait for the civilian court.”
Museveni’s latest comments signal the government’s determination to proceed with the legal process, leaving little room for negotiations outside the courtroom.
Besigye and his political associate, Hajj Obeid Lutale, were remanded by the General Court Martial on security-related charges. However, a Supreme Court ruling on January 31 declared the trial of civilians in military courts illegal, adding further legal complexity to the case.
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