Mao accuses Lukwago of exploiting Besigye’s woes

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Justice Minister Nobert Mao has launched a scathing attack on Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, accusing him of exploiting Dr Kizza Besigye’s political struggles for personal gain.

Mao labelled Lukwago a “political parasite,” alleging that he has built his career by capitalizing on Besigye’s hardships.

Mao made these remarks at the National Stakeholder Consultative Conference on the National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP-HR), which is taking place at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe.

Justice Minister Nobert Mao attending the National Stakeholder Consultative Conference on the National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP-HR). (Photo by Godfrey Ssempijja)

The two-day conference, organized by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in collaboration with the Justice, Law, and Order Sub-Programme, aims to discuss and validate a draft concept note on the National Action Plan on Human Rights.

“Many opposition politicians are unhappy that Colonel Kizza Besigye has been presented before a civilian court, and they will be even more upset if he is granted bail. They thrive on his suffering, milking his struggles for political mileage,” he said

Mao said the government has nothing to gain from Colonel Kizza Besigye’s imprisonment. He said upholding the Supreme Court’s decision is a duty that binds everyone, from the president to the local council one.

“It is opposition leaders, not the government, who benefit from keeping Besigye behind bars. Leaders like Lord Mayor Lukwago have latched onto him like parasites, using his name every election cycle,” Mao said.

He added, “Why did it take opposition lawyers two weeks to extract a Supreme Court decree if they were serious about freeing Besigye? Now, some claim that a decree isn’t necessary—what nonsense! Subordinate courts cannot act against the Supreme Court’s ruling.”

According to Mao, the government was the first to respond to the Supreme Court’s ruling. He said those who have truly lost in this situation are the opportunists who thrived on Besigye’s legal battles, not the government.

Court martials are necessary

While commenting on the recent Supreme Court ruling, Mao said that those calling for the abolition of court martials should be taken through an experiment and explained that court martials are comparable to the brakes of a vehicle.

“Abolishing the court martial would lead to alarming levels of indiscipline within the army and security forces,” he said.

Lukwago responds

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago dismissed the political statements of his counterpart, saying, “He is riding on a heap of history, and I am not prepared to engage with his political rantings. He's merely seeking political relevance, and I have nothing to respond to,” he said.

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. (File Photo)

When asked about the fate of his friend Dr Kizza Besigye who has been remanded to Luzira Prison following the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court ruling that charged him with treason, Lukwago said that they are going to apply for bail for their client and that there is nothing that can stop him from getting it.

Responsible journalism

Mao also lauded the media, saying it has played a good role in highlighting the plight of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye

However, he emphasized the need for responsible journalism noting that when a newspaper claims that all trials in the court martial have been stopped, that is misleading.

“To report that the Supreme Court ordered the release of all individuals undergoing trial in the court martial is irresponsible. Media houses should engage legal analysts instead of distorting facts to fit public sentiment,” he said.

Mao said that he is not an opportunist like many politicians. “I am not an opportunist, nor am I seeking public adulation. But even Parliament has fallen into the trap of misinformation, believing that the Chief Justice should personally go to the court martial to release Dr. Besigye and others on trial,” he noted.

He reiterated that “Media houses should not create the false impression that the government stands to gain from Colonel Kizza Besigye’s predicament. The real beneficiaries are opportunistic politicians who have been exploiting Besigye’s name since 2001.”

About the National Action Plan on Human Rights

The two-day National Consultative Conference brought together 150 stakeholders, including state and non-state actors, including the Uganda Police Force (UPF), Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), and Civil Society organisations from across the country, among others.

The forum aims to validate the draft National Action Plan on Human Rights and deepen partnerships in advancing human rights.

The development of the NAP-HR aligns with Uganda’s commitments under the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which was reinforced in Geneva in February 2022.

With support from the European Union (EU) and IBF International Consulting, the Ministry of Justice has reviewed and integrated UPR recommendations into the action plan.

Rosette Kuhirwa - Senior Planner Governance at National Development Plan, said the conference provides a rare opportunity to discuss Uganda’s Bill of Rights, entrench human rights in public and private sectors, and ensure alignment with national development priorities, including the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).