Kampala, Uganda – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has defended the continued detention of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, arguing that his trial should be expedited rather than focusing on securing bail or demanding his release.
In a statement addressed to Ugandans, particularly his social media audience of Bazzukulu (grandchildren), Museveni responded to growing concerns over Besigye’s incarceration, asserting that his detention is based on “very serious offences” he is alleged to have planned. The President insisted that the primary question should not be why Besigye remains detained, but rather why he was arrested in the first place.
“The answer to that is a quick trial so that facts come out. Otherwise, you are promoting insecurity, which is very dangerous for the country,” Museveni stated.
He further defended Uganda’s commitment to justice and reconciliation, highlighting the country’s history of holding individuals accountable for serious crimes, especially those who have been responsible for the deaths of Ugandans. He linked the stability of Uganda today to the sacrifices of freedom fighters who defeated former dictator Idi Amin and other oppressive regimes.
Museveni, however, attributed the delay in Besigye’s trial to Uganda’s judicial process. He claimed that military courts were prepared to proceed with the case, but the judiciary pointed out gaps in the military court system and ordered the transfer of cases to civilian courts. He revealed that the government is now working on two fronts: transferring the cases and closing legal loopholes in military courts to ensure future efficiency.
“If you are innocent, why do you not demand a quick trial so that you can prove your innocence and expose those who are ‘persecuting’ you instead of demanding bail, forgiveness, as if serious crime is also entitled to holidays?” Museveni questioned.
The President also dismissed concerns over Besigye’s health, stating that the government has ensured medical attention for him, including access to private clinics through his personal doctors. However, he downplayed the severity of Besigye’s condition, blaming his frail appearance on a self-imposed hunger strike.
“Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and, then, your response is hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail?” Museveni asked, maintaining that the focus should be on trial proceedings rather than seeking sympathy.
Museveni’s statement comes amid increasing criticism from opposition groups and human rights organizations, who argue that Besigye’s detention is politically motivated. Besigye, a former presidential candidate and longtime political rival of Museveni, has been arrested multiple times over the years on various charges, often linked to his opposition to the government.
With the President’s emphasis on a quick trial, attention now shifts to the judiciary to see whether the trial process will be accelerated or if further delays will fuel tensions in Uganda’s political landscape.
