KAMPALA – Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has addressed concerns regarding the remanding of Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is alleged to have been planning serious offenses. Museveni emphasized that the correct question to ask is not why Besigye was arrested, but rather why he doesn’t demand a quick trial to prove his innocence.
“If you want a stable country, the more correct question should be: ‘Naye Dr. Besigye bamukwatila ki?’ Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?” Museveni stated. “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.”
Museveni stressed that a quick trial is essential to establish the facts and prevent promoting insecurity, which can be detrimental to the country’s stability. He also highlighted Uganda’s doctrine of accountability, which emphasizes the need for those who commit mistakes, especially those who kill Ugandans, to be held responsible.
“We are not for vengeance but the danger of the killers must be removed,” Museveni explained. “Therefore, the correct answer in the matter of Dr. Besigye is a quick trial.”
The President recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who defeated Idi Amin and other killers, allowing Ugandans to live in peace and travel on good roads.
“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,” Museveni said.
Regarding Besigye’s trial, Museveni explained that the Courts identified gaps in the Military Courts and ordered the transfer of the cases to Civilian Courts. He assured that the government is working to address these gaps and close the loopholes in the Military Courts.
Museveni also addressed concerns about Besigye’s health, stating that there is a government hospital in the prison and that Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him.
“If there was need for any additional medical care, the government would be advised,” Museveni said. “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.”
Museveni criticized Besigye’s decision to go on hunger strike, calling it “unprincipled blackmail” aimed at generating sympathy for bail, rather than demanding a quick trial to prove his innocence.
“How can you be accused of serious crimes and, then, your response is hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail, etc.?” Museveni asked. “Why don’t you demand a quick trial? The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court.”
