President Museveni has advised veteran politician and opposition leader Dr. Kiiza Besigye to eat food while in prison and refrain from starving himself in an attempt to secure his freedom. It should be highlighted that Besigye has been detained since November 2024 on charges of treason.
Recently, however, concerns regarding Besigye’s health have arisen. Those permitted to visit him have reported that he appears frail and in deteriorating health. This was evident from images captured of him during a court appearance a few days ago.
Additionally, news surfaced that he was taken to a clinic in Bugolobi after collapsing earlier this week. Campaigns advocating for his health have been initiated on social media and in public, led by figures like Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, Erias Lukwago, Doreen Nyanjura, and Winnie Kiiza, among others. This movement has extended not just across Uganda, but also into neighboring Kenya, where he was originally apprehended.
Ugandans on social media have started a campaign to post messages demanding freedom and the rescue of Besigye on all social media posts from government officials and agencies. Fortunately, this seems to have produced positive outcomes and attracted the President’s attention.
In a post on his X page, Museveni acknowledged the worries expressed by citizens concerning the detention of Dr. Kiiza Besigye regarding the serious charges against him. According to the President, anyone desiring stability in the country should question the reasons behind Besigye’s arrest.
To address this matter, a swift trial would ensure that the facts are revealed, but those calling for his release at this stage are fueling insecurity in the nation. Museveni proceeded to criticize the courts for delaying the process of determining Besigye’s release or potential condemnation.
He noted that the military is currently working to close the gaps that led the Supreme Court to assert it lacks the jurisdiction to try civilians. Concurrently, efforts are underway to transfer the cases to civilian courts.
Museveni questioned why Besigye and his legal representatives are not advocating for a swift trial to establish his innocence, but instead are seeking bail and clemency. The President emphasized that there is no room for error when dealing with criminals who harm Ugandans, which is why those who fought for freedom made sacrifices for the stability of Uganda today.
He also mentioned Dr. Besigye’s illness, indicating there is no cause for alarm as there are government health facilities available in prison. Moreover, his personal physicians have been visiting him, and he has had access to private medical facilities.
According to Museveni, Besigye’s health issues are a result of his self-imposed hunger. The NRM leader described this behavior as a form of unprincipled manipulation. He expressed confusion over how one could starve themselves while facing grave charges to elicit sympathy, rather than pursuing a swift trial. Since the military court was prepared to try him but was impeded, they must now wait for the civilian court. Below is President Museveni’s complete statement regarding Besigye’s situation:-
“Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu.
I have seen the concern by some Ugandans regarding the remanding of Dr. Besigye for the very serious offences, he is alleged to have been planning. If you want a stable country, the more correct question, should be: “Naye Dr.Besigye bamukwatila ki? Why was Dr.Besigye arrested?” 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. Nobody in the world can easily give us lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness because that is part of our doctrine right from the 1960s.
Who slowed down the trial process? It is the Courts that pointed out some gaps in the Military Courts and they ordered the transfer of the cases to Civilian Courts. The concerned People are, therefore, working on two fronts.
Transfer the files to the Civilian Courts from the Military Courts and the Gov’t and the legislators to close the gaps in the Military Courts. If you are innocent, why do you not demand for 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?However, our strategy and doctrine are also based on accountability by the mistake makers ─ especially those who kill Ugandans.
We are now able to remember Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, Kiingo Chemonges, Edward Mutesa, etc., moving through a peaceful Uganda and travelling on good tarmac roads, because the freedom fighters sacrificed themselves and defeated Idi Amin and all the other killers.
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.
On the issue of sickness, there is, first of all, a Gov’t hospital in the Prison. Besides, Dr. Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics. If there was need for any additional medical care, the Gov’t would be advised.
However, 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. 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, etc.? Why don’t you demand a quick trial? The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court.
Signed:
Yoweri Kaguta Museveni
President of the Republic of Uganda.”
