President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has broken his silence on the public demand to grant freedom to Col. (Retired) Dr. Kizza Besigye, insisting that the main request would be to grant him a speedy trial over the serious offences of causing insecurity in the country that he faces.

In a statement to Ugandans, released on Tuesday afternoon, Museveni says the question should be; “Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?” and if the case is about promoting insecurity it is a dangerous take for the country.

He however clarified that the doctrine of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) which leads as Chairman is never to revenge but rather to ensure accountability for the mistakes committed especially by those who kill Ugandans.

He further blamed the slow trial process on the Supreme Court that quashed the authority of Military Court in trying civilians and ordered the transfer of such cases to civilian courts which the concerned authorities are currently working on.

On the issue of sickness, he says there is a Government hospital at Luzira Prison besides Besigye’s personal doctors who have been visiting him and even took him to private clinics for examination and if there was need for any additional medical care, the Government would be advised. He however accused Dr. Besigye of using hunger strike as a tool to blackmail the authority over his wrong deeds.

The President’s letter follows uproar from several citizens including the clergy, opposition politicians, civil society actors among others calling for the immediate release of Dr. Besigye following his appearance at the Buganda Road Magistrate’s court in terrible condition where he was gasping for air.

By Our Reporter

18 February 2025

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