NATIONAL
In response to public concern regarding the recent remanding of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, President Yoweri Museveni has issued a statement addressing the matter. The President emphasized the need for a swift trial to ascertain the facts surrounding the serious charges against Dr. Besigye.
President Museveni underscored the importance of accountability, particularly for those accused of endangering national security. “If you want a stable country, the more correct question should be: ‘Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?’ The answer to that is a quick trial so that facts come out,” the President remarked. He stressed that promoting insecurity by undermining legal processes could be detrimental to the nation.
Highlighting Uganda’s history of reconciliation and forgiveness, President Museveni reiterated that accountability has always been a cornerstone of the nation’s doctrine, dating back to the 1960s. He pointed out that the sacrifices made by freedom fighters who defeated regimes like Idi Amin’s were crucial in ensuring the peace and progress Uganda enjoys today.
“We are not for vengeance but the danger of the killers must be removed,” Museveni stated, calling for a fair and expedited trial for Dr. Besigye. He clarified that delays in the trial process were due to the transfer of cases from Military Courts to Civilian Courts, following directives from the judiciary. The government and legislators are now working to address gaps in the Military Courts to streamline the legal process.
Regarding concerns about Dr. Besigye’s health, the President noted that government hospital facilities in prison and private clinics have been made available to him. However, Museveni criticized Dr. Besigye’s hunger strike as an unprincipled tactic to garner sympathy and evade accountability. “How can you be accused of serious crimes and then your response is a hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail?” he questioned.
The President’s statement calls for patience as the legal system works through the necessary processes to ensure a fair trial for Dr. Besigye in the Civilian Courts. President Museveni’s message aims to reassure the public of the government’s commitment to justice and national security.
