By Jovita Hasto
Mbarara
Supporters of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) in Ankole have expressed concern over the continued detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye, saying the denial of bail despite fulfilling all legal requirements is illegal and a sign of growing dictatorship in the country. They argue that the continued incarceration of Dr. Besigye and his aide Abed Lutale indicates a breakdown of the rule of law, with the judiciary, legislature, and executive seemingly yielding to a dictatorial regime.
Mr. Roland Mugume Kaginda, the PFF Vice Chairperson for the Western Region, said the country is bleeding because of the ongoing detention of Dr. Besigye, Lutale, and other political prisoners who have never defied court orders.
“Dr. Besigye is a senior citizen who has never disobeyed any court order. Why deny him bail when he has met all the requirements? To us, it appears that the judiciary is under capture. We haven't heard any comment from the Chief Justice on the current situation. Lawyers are silent. We are all in a state of captivity. We urge all Ugandans to wake up—there is a problem,” he said.
Mr. Mugume further highlighted increasing human rights violations by security agencies, which he said are threatening peace in the country—especially for the opposition.
“People are being detained for long hours without trial. Others are tortured in safe houses. Just look at Eddie Mutwe from NUP. He is sick, beaten, and still in prison. Some have even been killed. These are the realities we're facing,” he stated.
He added that it is not only opposition leaders and their supporters who are worried, but also citizens preparing to participate in upcoming elections, referencing the chaos during recent NRM LC1 flag bearer elections.
“If issues like voter registry irregularities aren’t addressed, we’re heading for more confusion. For example, in Nyakatete, Lwengo District, people fought with pangas over elections. If members of the ruling party are turning violent, what should we expect in the general elections?” he questioned.
Unclear reasons for denial of bail
Ms. Faridah Nangozi, PFF’s Acting National Chairperson for Women, said the judges have failed to offer clear reasons for denying Dr. Besigye bail even after all requirements were met.
“In the past, they’ve accused Dr. Besigye of rape, chicken theft, and even said he had a pistol—yet none of these hold. Now they won’t release him despite fulfilling bail conditions. It’s shameful. Uganda has been held captive,” she said.
“We submitted our plea to the judge for Dr. Besigye’s release so he could defend himself while out of detention. The judge responded, ‘We agree with your points, but we are not granting bail.’ They gave no clear reason. How long will this go on?” she added.
Ms. Nangozi also questioned the arrest of opposition members simply for wearing party-branded clothing.
“Some are imprisoned just for wearing their political party shirts. What is happening in our country? The problem with Ugandans is they don’t speak up until something happens to them.”
Criticism of Museveni’s Rule
Mr. Guma Gumisiriza, PFF Chairperson for Bushenyi District, accused the ruling government of poor governance and tribal division, saying the country has been captured by President Museveni’s family.
He condemned what he called the deliberate tarnishing of the Banyankole tribe.
“We Banyankole are known for being peace-loving. Recently, Gen. Muhoozi tweeted that Eddie Mutwe is being taught Runyankole. What a shame! We reject this attempt to portray Banyankole as oppressors. What Museveni and his family are doing does not represent us,” he said.
He also dismissed claims that non-Banyankole are being targeted.
“Dr. Besigye himself is from Ankole and is married to a Munyankole. Museveni is known for dividing Ugandans. He wants the Banyankole to be seen as enemies. We call on all tribes to unite and liberate the country.”
Mr. Gumisiriza declared that PFF supporters are not ready to surrender. “We will not kneel—we would rather die standing.”
Call to religious leaders
Mr. Gideon Tumwesigye, PFF Chairperson in Kabale District, said democracy has eroded under the current regime and urged religious leaders to take a stand.
“Everything is now under the control of President Museveni, his son, and their family. We urge religious leaders to speak out against the torture and human rights abuses. Pray for the political prisoners—they are suffering.”
He decried the silence of clerics, comparing the current generation unfavorably to religious leaders like Bishop Kivengere who stood up to dictatorship during Idi Amin’s rule.
“You are quiet while citizens are being tortured. In Amin’s time, leaders like Kivengere spoke out. Today, you praise Museveni’s leadership while people are being brutalized.”
Solidarity from Kisoro and Rukungiri
Mr. Gordon Semahore, PFF Coordinator in Kisoro District, said human rights are universal, and Dr. Besigye and Lutale deserve protection from continued detention.
“We will not remain silent. We are ready to join the struggle for peace and freedom. We must fight for what we believe in,” he said.
Mr. Aloysius Mugarura, PFF Chairperson in Rukungiri District, called for a redirection of the country’s political course.
“This country needs saving. What is happening is disgraceful. We’ve seen the chaos in NRM’s internal elections, widespread corruption, and violence. We must reject this path and demand better governance.”
He concluded by stating that the current regime under President Museveni and his family has strayed far from the peace and stability it once promised Ugandans.
Torch Media Africa
