By Leonard Kamugisha Akida
KAMPALA
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has cautioned the military against interfering in the treason case involving opposition figure Kizza Besigye, arguing that public comments by senior security officials could prejudice ongoing court proceedings.
Addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, on Monday, FDC deputy chairperson for western Uganda and former Kasese Municipality MP Robert Centenary said the case should be left to the civilian courts without military influence.
“We want to call on the army to stay out of politics and stay out of this case. There is a reason this case is before the civil court and not the military court,” Centenary said.
He cited previous social media posts by the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in which he allegedly stated that Besigye would be hanged and would leave Luzira Prison in a coffin.
Centenary argued that such remarks, made while the matter is still before court, amount to prejudicing the judicial process.
“Whatever the court decides, if it aligns with those comments, the public will believe the outcome was influenced by the CDF,” he said.
The former legislator also expressed concern over Besigye’s reported admission to the intensive care unit at Mulago National Referral Hospital, saying he deserves a fair hearing and legal representation of his choice.
“If the State truly has overwhelming evidence against Dr Besigye, what is the harm in allowing him to be represented by a lawyer of his choice, including Martha Karua?” Centenary asked, referring to the Kenyan lawyer who was reportedly denied entry into Uganda.
He added that denying an accused person their preferred legal representation raises questions about the fairness of the trial.
FDC also warned against politicising the judiciary, saying no one should consider themselves above the law.
“Politics must be left out of the courts and the law should take its course. Even those who feel untouchable today may one day need a fair court,” Centenary said.
The party appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to consider Besigye’s historical contribution during the National Resistance Army bush war, where he served as Museveni’s personal doctor, and grant him a pardon.
FDC further urged religious and cultural leaders, civil society organisations and Ugandans to speak out against what it described as the unfair treatment of Besigye and to demand the release and fair trial of all political prisoners.
