Museveni breaks silence on Besigye continued remanding

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President Yoweri Museveni has broken his silence and responded to those calling on the Government to release Dr Kiiza Besigye from prison.

Museveni, in a statement released on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, insists that those calling for Besigye’s release should instead ask why he was arrested in the first case. The President insists Besigye was arrested over a very serious offence.

“I have seen the concern by some Ugandans regarding the remanding of Dr Kizza 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. 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,” Museveni says.

How can you go on hunger strike?

Concerning his former doctors visible frail condition going by the lates images capptured last week and narrations by his wife Winnie Byanyima, the President say: In this case, Dr Besigye was on hunger strike.

▪️ Byanyima visits Besigye in prison cell

That is part of the cause for his weakness that we could see in the pictures that were in the newspapers. Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and, then, your response is hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail, etc.? Why don’t you demand a quick trial? The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court.

Quick trial is the solution

Museveni said the correct answer in the matter of Dr Besigye is a quick trial.

Museveni insisted that Besigye quick trial had been delayed by recent Supreme Court ruling that halted all civilian trials before the General Court Martial but said those concerned were working in transferring cases to civilian court and that they were also closing all the gaps in the military courts.

▪️ Parliament asks AG to present statement on Besigye's health

“Who slowed down the trial process? It is the Courts that pointed out some gaps in the Military Courts and they ordered the transfer of the cases to Civilian Courts. The concerned People are, therefore, working on two fronts. Transfer the files to the Civilian Courts from the Military Courts and the Government 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, forgiveness, as if serious crime is also entitled to holidays?” Museveni stated.

Stop blackmailing the government

On the issue of Besigye’s sickness, Museveni said, “there is, first of all, a Government hospital in the prison. Besides, Dr. Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics. If there was need for any additional medical care, the Government would be advised.”

He also accused Besigye of trying to blackmail the government through a hunger strike. “However, in this case, Dr. Besigye, was on hunger strike. That is part of the cause for his weakness that we could see in the pictures that were in the Newspapers. Is that not unprincipled blackmail?

▪️ Besigye in stable condition—Prisons Service

How can you be accused of serious crimes and, then, your response is hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail, etc.? Why don’t you demand a quick trial? The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court.”

Besigye's arrest

Besigye and his long-time friend, Hajji Obeid Lutale were remanded by the General Court Martial in November 2024 over charges including possessing two pistols and eight bullets. 

This followed the duo's arrested in Kenyan capital Nairobi on November 16, 2024, while they were allegedly heading for the launch of National Rainbow Coalition party leader Martha Karua’s book.

They were then remanded to Luzira prison.

However last month the Supreme Court in a landmark ruling, declared it unconstitutional for military courts to try civilians, ordering the transfer of all such cases to civilian courts.

Last week, Besigye went on a hunger strike protesting what he called his illegal arrest. Photos of Besigye looking weak in the dock as he appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court caused immediate uproar.

On Saturday, information minister Chris Baryomunsi visited Besigye in prison and later claimed he had met him in the presence of his personal doctors: “I have given him counsel and asked him to resume taking food as the government fast tracks the transfer of his case from the court martial to a civil court”.

On Saturday evening, Besigye was rushed to a private clinic for further medical attention after queries emerged over his health condition.