Museveni Insists Besigye Must Face Trial Amid Calls For His Release

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has defended the continued detention of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, insisting that he must face trial, as his release would pose a threat to national security.

In a statement on Tuesday, Museveni said the answer to why Besigye was arrested lies in a swift trial, which would allow facts to be established in court.

“Otherwise, you are promoting insecurity, which is very dangerous for the country. Nobody in the world can easily lecture us on reconciliation and forgiveness because that has been part of our doctrine since the 1960s,” the statement read.

Museveni emphasized that his government is not seeking vengeance but stressed the need for accountability. He cited past Ugandan leaders and activists, including Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, and Edward Mutesa, who lost their lives under previous regimes, stating that their sacrifices led to the country’s current stability.

“The correct response in Dr. Besigye’s case is a quick trial. If you are innocent, why not demand a trial to prove your innocence instead of seeking bail and forgiveness, as if serious crimes deserve holidays?” he added.

Museveni dismissed claims that his government had delayed the legal process, saying that Uganda’s courts had ordered Besigye’s case to be transferred from a military to a civilian court due to legal gaps in the military judicial system.

Regarding Besigye’s health, the president assured that he has access to government hospitals in prison and his personal doctors, who have even taken him to private clinics for medical care. He stated that if further medical attention was needed, the government would provide it.

“How can someone accused of serious crimes go on a hunger strike to gain sympathy for bail? Why not demand a trial? The military court was ready. Now, we wait for the civilian court,” Museveni said.

His remarks come a day after the Commonwealth called for Besigye’s immediate release, terming his detention unlawful. Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland expressed concern over his continued imprisonment alongside Haji Obeid Lutale and Eron Kiiza, saying it violated a ruling by Uganda’s Supreme Court on January 31, 2025.

Besigye, who has been on hunger strike for a week, was briefly taken to a private clinic after his health deteriorated, according to his lawyer Erias Lukwago. The 68-year-old politician, who faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm, threatening national security, and treason, has denied all accusations.

Opposition leader Bobi Wine and other activists were denied access to Besigye in prison, with Wine claiming that the veteran politician was in critical condition. “This man is actually dying. He cannot leave his bed,” Wine told reporters.

Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has also raised concerns over his safety, warning the government that it would be held responsible for any harm that comes to him.

Museveni’s government has vowed to push forward with Besigye’s trial, despite the Supreme Court ruling that military courts should not try civilians. Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi recently stated that efforts were underway to transfer Besigye’s case to a civilian court.

Besigye, a former ally of Museveni and once his personal doctor, has been a vocal critic of the government for years. Though he did not contest the 2021 election, he remains one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures.