In a recent statement, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed the concerns raised by some Ugandans regarding the remanding of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has been charged with serious offenses. Museveni emphasized the importance of a swift legal process to ensure justice, highlighting the need for accountability and the removal of any threats to national security.
On the Arrest and Legal Process
President Museveni questioned the public’s focus on Dr. Besigye’s health, urging Ugandans to shift the conversation to the more pertinent question: "Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?" He reaffirmed that the government’s priority is a quick trial to reveal the facts behind the charges. Museveni warned that failing to address such matters swiftly could foster insecurity, which he called "dangerous for the country."
He further emphasized that Uganda’s doctrine has always included reconciliation and forgiveness, which have been ingrained in the nation since the 1960s. However, the President stressed that accountability must remain a cornerstone of the country’s strategy, particularly for individuals who threaten national security, citing historical examples of leaders such as Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, and Edward Mutesa who sacrificed for the peace and stability Uganda enjoys today.
On Accountability and the Court Process
Museveni was clear that the government's position is not one of vengeance, but rather the necessity to remove threats posed by those who seek to harm the nation. He pointed to the delays in Dr. Besigye’s trial, noting that the Courts had identified gaps in the Military Court system, leading to the transfer of his case to Civilian Courts. The President indicated that both government officials and legislators are working to address these gaps.
Addressing Dr. Besigye’s claim of being “persecuted,” Museveni questioned why, if Besigye were innocent, he had not demanded a quick trial to prove his innocence. He expressed disbelief that instead of seeking a prompt legal resolution, Dr. Besigye was requesting bail and forgiveness, questioning whether such serious charges should be treated with leniency.
On Health Concerns
President Museveni also responded to concerns over Dr. Besigye's health, particularly following reports of his weakness and hunger strike. Museveni pointed out that there is a government hospital within the prison where Dr. Besigye is being held, and that Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him, even taking him to private clinics when necessary. If additional medical attention was required, the government would have been advised.
The President attributed Besigye’s current condition to the hunger strike, which he suggested was self-inflicted and likely the cause of his reported weakness. Museveni criticized what he called an "unprincipled" use of a hunger strike to gain sympathy and potentially secure bail, questioning the ethics of such a move in response to serious criminal charges.
Museveni reiterated that the military court was ready to proceed with the trial, and urged that the nation await the transfer of the case to civilian court, where the trial would continue.
In a recent statement, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed the concerns raised by some Ugandans regarding the remanding of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has been charged with serious offenses. Museveni emphasized the importance of a swift legal process to ensure justice, highlighting the need for accountability and the removal of any threats to national security.
On the Arrest and Legal Process
President Museveni questioned the public’s focus on Dr. Besigye’s health, urging Ugandans to shift the conversation to the more pertinent question: "Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?" He reaffirmed that the government’s priority is a quick trial to reveal the facts behind the charges. Museveni warned that failing to address such matters swiftly could foster insecurity, which he called "dangerous for the country."
He further emphasized that Uganda’s doctrine has always included reconciliation and forgiveness, which have been ingrained in the nation since the 1960s. However, the President stressed that accountability must remain a cornerstone of the country’s strategy, particularly for individuals who threaten national security, citing historical examples of leaders such as Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, and Edward Mutesa who sacrificed for the peace and stability Uganda enjoys today.
On Accountability and the Court Process
Museveni was clear that the government's position is not one of vengeance, but rather the necessity to remove threats posed by those who seek to harm the nation. He pointed to the delays in Dr. Besigye’s trial, noting that the Courts had identified gaps in the Military Court system, leading to the transfer of his case to Civilian Courts. The President indicated that both government officials and legislators are working to address these gaps.
Addressing Dr. Besigye’s claim of being “persecuted,” Museveni questioned why, if Besigye were innocent, he had not demanded a quick trial to prove his innocence. He expressed disbelief that instead of seeking a prompt legal resolution, Dr. Besigye was requesting bail and forgiveness, questioning whether such serious charges should be treated with leniency.
On Health Concerns
President Museveni also responded to concerns over Dr. Besigye's health, particularly following reports of his weakness and hunger strike. Museveni pointed out that there is a government hospital within the prison where Dr. Besigye is being held, and that Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him, even taking him to private clinics when necessary. If additional medical attention was required, the government would have been advised.
The President attributed Besigye’s current condition to the hunger strike, which he suggested was self-inflicted and likely the cause of his reported weakness. Museveni criticized what he called an "unprincipled" use of a hunger strike to gain sympathy and potentially secure bail, questioning the ethics of such a move in response to serious criminal charges.
Museveni reiterated that the military court was ready to proceed with the trial, and urged that the nation await the transfer of the case to civilian court, where the trial would continue.