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Museveni dismissed claims that Besigye is being unfairly treated
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By Our Reporter
Kampala
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has addressed concerns surrounding the continued detention of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, insisting that his trial should be expedited rather than calls for his release.
In a statement released today and addressed to Ugandans, particularly the “Bazzukulu” (grandchildren), Museveni dismissed claims that Besigye is being unfairly treated, emphasizing that he was arrested for serious offenses and should face a speedy trial rather than seeking bail or public sympathy.
"If you want a stable country, the more correct question should be: ‘Naye Dr. Besigye bamukwatira ki?’ (Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?) The answer is a quick trial so that facts come out. Otherwise, you are promoting insecurity, which is very dangerous for the country," Museveni stated.
The President explained that the delay in Besigye’s trial was due to the Supreme Court ruling, which found procedural gaps in the Military Court Martial and ordered the transfer of cases to civilian courts. He reassured Ugandans that both the government and legislators are working on closing these legal loopholes while ensuring that cases are properly prosecuted.
Related Story: Opposition mounts Pressure on government to release Besigye https://tmafrica.co.ug/news/opposition-mounts-pressure-government-release-dr-kizza-besigye
Museveni: “Why Seek Sympathy Instead of Trial?”
Museveni also took a swipe at Besigye’s ongoing hunger strike, labeling it a form of blackmail aimed at gaining public sympathy. He questioned why Besigye was not demanding a quick trial to prove his innocence instead of refusing to eat. "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? Why don’t you demand a quick trial?" Museveni asked.
Addressing concerns about Besigye’s health, the President noted that prison facilities have a government hospital, and that Besigye’s personal doctors have been allowed to visit him and even take him to private clinics. He assured the public that if additional medical attention was needed, the government would step in.
Museveni further rejected claims of political persecution, emphasizing that Uganda’s stability is built on accountability, not vengeance. He cited past injustices under Idi Amin’s regime, including the killings of Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, Kiingo Chemonges, and Edward Mutesa, stressing that Uganda’s progress was achieved through the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
"We are not for vengeance, but the danger of the killers must be removed. Therefore, the correct answer in the matter of Dr. Besigye is a quick trial," Museveni reiterated.
As pressure mounts from the opposition and human rights groups calling for Besigye’s release, Museveni’s statement signals the government’s firm stance that Besigye will remain in detention until his trial is concluded.
Torch Media Africa
