My govt will release Besigye, says FDC's Nandala Mafabi

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On his last day of campaigns in the Greater Rwenzori region, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala Mafabi braved heavy rain and muddy roads through Kamwenge district as he sought to win the hearts of voters in Western Uganda.

Despite a two-hour downpour that reduced the usual crowd sizes, Mafabi pressed on with his rallies at Kahunge town council and Rwamwanja Katalyebwa town council Market, promising residents’ reliable electricity and stable markets for their farm produce, especially maize, the area’s main crop, as many residents reported them to be the local challenges.

Mafabi speaking to voters. (Credit: Alfred Ochwo)

During one of the stops at Bwizi town council, Mafabi engaged wet and rain-soaked voters in an open dialogue session, allowing them to raise concerns directly. A resident identified only as Geofrey asked him why he was campaigning alone without FDC founder Dr Kizza Besigye, and what his position was on Besigye’s continued imprisonment. 

(Credit: Alfred Ochwo)

(Credit: Alfred Ochwo)

Four-time presidential candidate Besigye is battling charges of treason after his arrest in Nairobi last year.

The FDC founder and his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale, are jointly charged with treason and misprison (concealment) of treason alongside Capt. Denis Oola, a Uganda People’s Defence Forces officer attached to the Armoured Brigade.

Prosecution alleges that Besigye, Lutale, Oola, and others, still at large, between 2023 and 2024, in various countries, including Switzerland, Greece, Kenya and in Kampala, Uganda, contrived to overturn the Government of Uganda by force of arms.

According to the charge sheet, Besigye, Lutale, Oola and others, still at large, between 2023 and 2024, knowing that another person intended to commit treason, did not give information to Ugandan authorities to prevent the commission of treason, which amounts to misprision of treason.

"We know Besigye as a strong person in FDC. Where is he, and what do you say about his imprisonment? What are you leaving with us today because President Museveni does so whenever he comes here? he asked.

In a swift and candid response, Mafabi said he stood firmly against the continued detention of Dr Besigye, calling for justice and due process.

“You say Museveni leaves you with something like money, but his government is the one that imprisoned Besigye,” Mafabi told the crowd. “I also want him out of prison. If he has a case to answer, let him be prosecuted and tried, not kept in prison. My government will release Besigye, that’s if he’s still in prison by the time I get into office,” he noted.

“If Mr Museveni has a case against Besigye, let him be taken to the courts of law and given a fair trial,” he added.

Mafabi’s remarks drew applause from supporters who have long associated the FDC struggle with Besigye’s name and political battles.

By 6:30pm, the FDC convoy was just arriving in Fort Portal city, where Mafabi was scheduled to hold his final rally in the region before heading to the oil-rich Albertine area tomorrow.