By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
RUKUNGIRI
The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has condemned the continued detention of veteran politician Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, calling on the government to expedite his trial to ensure justice prevails.
Bishop Asiimwe made the remarks on Sunday while speaking at the ongoing thanksgiving service at Emmanuel Cathedral Kinyasano Hill in Rukungiri Municipality, where he was celebrating the second anniversary of his episcopal ministry.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. I urge the authorities to fast-track Dr. Besigye’s trial to ensure fairness and the rule of law,” Bishop Asiimwe told a congregation.
Bishop Asiimwe, popularly known as “Uncle O,” recently visited Besigye at Luzira Prison, where the opposition leader has been detained since his arrest two months ago. During the visit, he urged Besigye to end his hunger strike, which he started in protest against what he termed as unlawful detention and delayed trial.
Besigye, a prominent opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate, was arrested in November last year on charges of unlawful possession of firearms, and was later charged with treason by the General Court Martial.
However, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling on January 31 that stripped military courts of the power to try civilians, Besigye’s file was transferred to the High Court Criminal Division.
Although he has since appeared before court, he has remained on remand with all attempts at securing bail so far denied and his trial has stalled. This has sparked criticism from opposition leaders and human rights groups who accuse the government of politically motivated persecution.
During the thanksgiving event, Bishop Asiimwe emphasized the need for the justice system to operate impartially, warning that continued delays in Besigye’s case risk undermining public trust in state institutions.
Notable figures at the function included former Security Minister Rtd. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner Steven Nsubuga Bewayo, and Rukungiri District Police Commander Apollo Kyangungu, among other dignitaries.
