The Director of Defence Public Information for the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF), Major General Felix Kulaigye, has made a startling revelation that has left many Ugandans bewildered, stating that Security had the opportunity to eliminate Dr. Kizza Besigye while transporting him back from Kenya. It is important to note that the four-time Ugandan presidential candidate was apprehended in Kenya and driven back to Uganda.
He has been incarcerated since November 2024, raising increasing concerns about his well-being. In an appearance on a local radio station, Kulaigye mentioned that they had the option to eliminate Besigye prior to arriving in Uganda; however, they opted to return him so he could face legal proceedings.
It’s somewhat amusing that certain segments of the public ridicule the Armed Forces’ lack of professionalism. Kulaigye also mentioned that the Chairman of the General Court Martial, Brig. Freeman Mugabe, holds a Master’s degree, deeming it foolish for some lawmakers to claim that the GCM lacks competence.
He further stated that they are keeping certain details under wraps to avoid shocking the nation; however, if they were to disclose Besigye’s alleged crimes and justifications for his charges, many would immediately demand severe punishment.
“Besigye was lucky that we didn’t kill him in the process of returning him from Kenya. We followed the law and brought him to the military court. But we would have killed him if we wanted,” said Kulaigye.
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It should be highlighted that the Defense Forces have declined to release Besigye, disregarding the Supreme Court ruling which stated that the GCM should not have jurisdiction over civilians. Many now fear that Besigye’s fate has already been predetermined, potentially leading to his execution.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has been posting frequently on his Twitter (X) account that Besigye is destined for the gallows due to being a traitor who has sought to harm the Museveni family since the bush war era. He has asked his followers to cast votes on Besigye’s fate and indicated that he will reveal his decision tomorrow, Sunday the 16th.
Despite this, numerous critics are condemning the regime for its treatment of one of Uganda’s most distinguished political figures. During his latest court appearance, Besigye appeared weak and dehydrated, reportedly due to undertaking a hunger strike at Luzira Prison.
Many prominent individuals, both locally and internationally, are now advocating for Besigye’s release. In Kenya, where he was apprehended, President William Ruto is facing backlash along with notable politician Raila Odinga. Many Kenyans on social media are even campaigning for Odinga to lose his bid for the African Union (AU) chairmanship, criticizing him for his association with Ruto, who sanctioned Besigye’s capture.
