In an unprecedented move, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has publicly addressed the ongoing detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye, breaking weeks of silence on the contentious issue.
Museveni's statement comes amidst growing health concerns for Besigye, who has been detained since his abduction in Nairobi, Kenya, and subsequent transfer to a military court in Uganda.
Museveni's comments were made in a detailed statement where he acknowledged the public's and opposition's concerns regarding Besigye's condition and detention. He emphasized that Besigye is under remand for "very serious offences," which he is alleged to have planned. The President's remarks highlighted a firm stance on the necessity of legal proceedings, underscoring that if the aim is to maintain national stability, the correct question to ask should be, "Why was Besigye arrested?" rather than calling for his immediate release.
He critiqued the pace of legal proceedings, attributing delays to a recent Supreme Court ruling which found that military courts could not try civilians, thus necessitating the transfer of cases like Besigye's to civilian courts.
''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''. Museveni said
Museveni challenged Besigye's legal team to expedite the trial, suggesting that this would be the most direct path to establishing the truth and ensuring justice.
The President also addressed the health concerns surrounding Besigye, who has reportedly been on a hunger strike due to his deteriorating condition.
He described the hunger strike as "blackmail" intended to garner public sympathy. He refuted claims that Besigye was denied medical attention, stating that both government and private doctors have been allowed to attend to him, with provisions for further care if needed.
''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'' He added
On November 20, officials charged Besigye and Haji Obeid at the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala. They were accused of possessing pistols and attempting to purchase weapons abroad—charges they denied.