Kampala, (UG):– President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has asserted that Uganda does not need external lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness amid the continued detention of veteran Opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
In a statement released Tuesday afternoon amid public outcry over Besigye’s remand and deteriorating health, President Museveni emphasized that issues regarding Besigye’s case will have to follow judicial proceedings over political sentiment and that a quick trial is the best avenue for addressing the alleged offences.
“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 more correct question, should be: “Naye Dr.Besigye bamukwatila ki? Why was Dr.Besigye arrested?” The answer to that is a quick trial so that facts come out,” Mr Museveni stated.
“Otherwise, you are promoting insecurity which is very dangerous for the country. Nobody in the world can easily give us lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness because that is part of our doctrine right from the 1960s,” the President added.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, emphasized that his government’s doctrine has always been rooted in both accountability and reconciliation. He particularly pointed to the country’s history, where leaders such as Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, Kiingo Chemonges, and Edward Mutesa suffered under repressive regimes, yet the sacrifices of freedom fighters ensured the country’s stability today.
“We are now able to remember Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, Kiingo Chemonges, Edward Mutesa, etc., moving through a peaceful Uganda and travelling on good tarmac roads, because the freedom fighters sacrificed themselves and defeated Idi Amin and all the other killers. We are not for vengeance but the danger of the killers must be removed,” the Commander in Chief stated, adding “Therefore, the correct answer in the matter of Dr. Besigye is a quick trial.”
On why the trial of Besigye slowed down, Mr Museveni attributed the delays to procedural challenges within the judicial system, specifically citing court directives that transferred cases from military to civilian courts.
“Who slowed down the trial process? It is the courts that pointed out some gaps in the military courts and ordered the transfer of the cases to civilian courts,” he said, adding that the concerned people are working on two fronts: transferring the files and closing the gaps in military courts,” he said.
“Transfer the files to the Civilian Courts from the Military Courts and the Gov’t and the legislators to close the gaps in the Military Courts. If you are innocent, why do you not demand for a quick trial so that you can prove your innocence and expose those who are “persecuting” you instead of demanding bail, and forgiveness as if a serious crime is also entitled to holidays?
President Museveni also dismissed claims that Besigye’s health was deteriorating due to government negligence, asserting that the detained opposition figure had access to government medical facilities, as well as his personal doctors.
“On the issue of sickness, there is, first of all, a Gov’t hospital in the Prison. Besides, Dr. Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics. If there was a need for any additional medical care, the Gov’t would be advised,” the President said.
Museveni, however, blamed Besigye’s frail state on a hunger strike, which he termed as a tactic to gain public sympathy rather than to seek justice. “Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and then respond with a hunger strike to generate sympathy for bail? Why don’t you demand a quick trial?” he questioned.
The President maintained that the military court was ready to try Besigye, urging patience as the civilian judicial process unfolds. “Let us wait for the civilian court,” Museveni concluded.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and longtime critic of Museveni’s government, has previously been arrested on multiple occasions, often on charges related to national security. His latest detention has sparked renewed debate on Uganda’s political landscape, with opposition supporters demanding his immediate release while government officials insist on due process.
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