President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has defended the arrest and detention of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, insisting that justice must take its course. He dismissed concerns over Besigye’s imprisonment, calling his hunger strike a political ploy to manipulate public sympathy rather than face trial.
“If you want a stable country, the more correct question should be: ‘Naye Dr. Besigye bamukwatila ki?’ Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?” Museveni questioned. “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.”
Why Was Besigye Arrested?
Dr. Kizza Besigye, a former presidential candidate and longtime critic of Museveni’s government, was arrested on allegations of planning to incite violence and undermine national security. Authorities claim he engaged with foreign actors to destabilize the country, an accusation he has strongly denied.
Opposition leaders and human rights groups argue that the charges are politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent ahead of the next elections. Some analysts see Besigye’s arrest as part of a broader government crackdown on opposition voices.
Museveni: ‘We Are Not for Vengeance, But Justice Must Prevail’
Museveni dismissed claims that Besigye’s arrest was politically driven, emphasizing that Uganda’s legal system is built on accountability.
“Nobody in the world can easily give us lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness because that is part of our doctrine right from the 1960s,” Museveni asserted. “However, our strategy and doctrine are also based on accountability by the mistake makers—especially those who kill Ugandans.”
Drawing comparisons to Uganda’s past struggles, he referenced historical figures who fought for the country’s stability and insisted that those accused of serious crimes must face justice.
Criticism and International Reactions
Besigye’s detention has sparked significant debate both locally and internationally:
Opposition MPs have questioned the legality of his arrest, arguing that the government is using the courts to suppress political opponents.
Human rights organizations have condemned the arrest, calling it an attempt to stifle opposition
International bodies have urged Uganda to uphold democratic principles, warning against the criminalization of political dissent.
Despite these concerns, Museveni remains adamant that the legal process must proceed without interference.
Hunger Strike or Political Strategy?
Besigye’s health has become a key talking point, with reports indicating that he has grown weak due to his hunger strike. However, Museveni dismissed these concerns, pointing out that prison facilities provide medical care and that Besigye’s personal doctors have been allowed to visit him.
“In this case, Dr. Besigye was on hunger strike. That is part of the cause for his weakness that we could see in the pictures that were in the newspapers,” Museveni remarked. “Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and then your response is a hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail?”
Museveni further questioned why Besigye was pushing for bail instead of demanding a swift trial to clear his name.
“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?” he asked.
What’s Next?
With the case now transferred to civilian courts, legal experts say the trial will be a key test of Uganda’s judicial independence. Besigye’s supporters continue to demand his release, arguing that his arrest is politically motivated. Meanwhile, the government insists that the judiciary must be allowed to function without external pressure.
Museveni maintains that the law must take its course.
“The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court,” he concluded.
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