President Yoweri Museveni has urged former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye to end his hunger strike, emphasizing that he is facing serious charges that require a fair and swift trial.
Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obedi Kamulegeya, have been charged with possession of firearms at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi, Kenya, and allegedly holding meetings in Greece and Switzerland with the intent to undermine the security of the Ugandan army.
The two were reportedly abducted in Nairobi last month after attending a book launch hosted by Kenyan opposition politician and lawyer Martha Karua. Their case, initially handled by the General Court Martial, is now awaiting transfer to civil courts following a landmark Supreme Court ruling that reclassified the court martial as a disciplinary committee of the army.
Museveni’s Statement on Besigye’s Detention
In a statement, President Museveni addressed public concerns regarding Besigye’s detention, arguing that a quick trial is the best course of action to establish the truth:
“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 correct question should be: ‘Naye Dr. Besigye bamukwatira ki?’ (Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?) The answer is a quick trial so that facts come out. Otherwise, you are promoting insecurity, which is very dangerous for the country.”
Museveni rejected claims that Besigye’s detention is politically motivated, pointing out that Uganda has a history of reconciliation and forgiveness, but accountability remains a key principle:
“Nobody can lecture us on reconciliation because it has been part of our doctrine since the 1960s. However, our strategy is also based on accountability, especially for those who kill Ugandans. We honor figures like Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, Kiingo Chemonges, and Edward Mutesa, because freedom fighters sacrificed themselves to defeat Idi Amin and other killers. We are not for vengeance, but the danger posed by killers must be removed.”
Trial Delays and Legal Process
Museveni stated that delays in Besigye’s trial were caused by court rulings that required cases from the Military Court to be transferred to civilian courts:
“Who slowed down the trial process? It is the Courts that pointed out gaps in the Military Courts and ordered the transfer of the cases to Civilian Courts. The concerned authorities are now working on two fronts: transferring the files to Civilian Courts and closing the legal gaps in Military Courts.”
He questioned why Besigye and his supporters were calling for bail and forgiveness instead of demanding a speedy trial:
“If you are innocent, why not demand a quick trial to prove your innocence instead of seeking bail and sympathy? Serious crimes do not come with holidays.”
Hunger Strike and Health Concerns
Regarding Besigye’s hunger strike, Museveni dismissed it as a form of blackmail, arguing that the government has made adequate medical provisions:
“There is a government hospital in the prison. Besigye’s personal doctors have also been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics. If additional medical care was needed, the government would be advised.”
He criticized Besigye’s decision to go on hunger strike, calling it an unprincipled move to gain public sympathy:“In this case, Besigye is on a hunger strike, which is part of the cause of his weakness seen in the newspapers. Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and respond with a hunger strike to generate sympathy for bail? Why not demand a quick trial? The military court was ready. Now, let us wait for the civilian court.”
