- President Yoweri Museveni has expressed his reasons for regretting the continued detention of opposition leader Kizza Besigye for a long time
- He explained that the delay in the case is caused by Besigye’s lawyers, despite the government being ready to prosecute him
- The remarks came as pressure mounted from Besigye’s domestics over the violation of constitutional limits on his detention.
President Yoweri Museveni has expressed regret about the continued detention of his political opponent and former personal doctor, Kizza Besigye, since November 2024.
Source: Twitter
Museveni said that the delay in the case is due to the actions taken by Besigye’s lawyers, not the government or the Courts, which he claimed are ready to proceed with the case.
Why is Museveni worried about Besigye’s continued detention?
Daily Monitor reported that the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, while speaking on behalf of the president in Rukungiri district, explained that Besigye’s lawyers submitted more than 10 letters asking the Court not to start hearing the case.
“We are ready, but every time we try to hear his case, his lawyers raise issues that make the judges unable to continue their work,” Tayebwa said.
“Let me be clear, I am not happy with the continued detention of your son, Besigye. I know you are also not happy, but Besigye is under the protection of the government and will be charged in court like any other Ugandan because he has a case to answer according to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).” he added, quoting Museveni’s words.
Museveni denied claims of personal enmity with his former partner, saying their relationship stems from guerrilla warfare.
“There is no problem between me and Besigye. He is my friend and we fought together in the forest. I am worried about his health and well-being, but no one is above the law. If you do something wrong, you must face the law,” Museveni explained.
What charges is Kizza Besigye facing?
Tayebwa insisted that Besigye, who is facing treason-related charges, would only be released after a trial, warning that releasing him early would mean he was arrested without reason.
He asked the defense lawyers to stop obstructing the process and allow the case to be heard quickly.
Source: Facebook
The Minister of Technology and Communications, Chris Baryomunsi, emphasized that the Court is independent and not under the influence of the president.
He said that Museveni did not arrest Besigye, and that the president does not have the authority to release a person who is in court, as the decision belongs only to the Court.
Security Minister, Major General (retired) Jim Muhwezi, who is also from Rukungiri, recalled that Museveni once pardoned Besigye about 15 years ago after a delegation of leaders requested him.
He urged Besigye’s lawyers to stop obstructing the trial so that it could be concluded, after which another appeal for pardon could be filed.
The meeting with the media took place when pressure was mounting from the residents of Rukungiri, who claim the government is detaining Besigye unconstitutionally and denying him bail, while Uganda heading to the January 15, 2026 elections.
Was Kizza Besigye ever granted bail?
On the other hand, Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, expressed her disappointment after her husband was denied bail after the first 180 days in prison.
He asked Museveni to ensure that justice is done for Besigye, his colleague Hajj Obeid Lutaale, and other political prisoners who are being held without trial.
Byanyima emphasized that his claim was not to seek special favors but justice and equality in the legal process, adding that political opponents should not be imprisoned but allowed to express their views in peace.
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