President Yoweri Museveni has spoken about the arrest and detention of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, saying that the primary concern should be ensuring a swift trial rather than calls for political reconciliation or forgiveness.
In a statement on Tuesday, Museveni said, “I have seen concerns from some Ugandans regarding Dr. Besigye’s remand for the very serious offenses he is alleged to have been planning.”
“If you want a stable country, the more pertinent question should be: ‘Naye Dr. Besigye bamukwatira ki? Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?’ The answer to that is a quick trial so that the facts emerge,” he added.
Museveni’s statement comes amid growing concerns over Besigye’s health. Currently held at Luzira Maximum Security Prison on charges of illegal possession of firearms and treachery, Besigye appeared weak and frail in court on Friday while also facing additional charges of inciting violence.
On Sunday, his family raised alarms about his deteriorating condition, revealing that prison authorities had suddenly permitted a visit from his personal doctor—an abrupt change from their earlier denial of access. The family expressed fears that this move signaled a serious decline in Besigye’s health. They warned that Museveni would bear full responsibility for any harm that befell him.
Meanwhile, activists have taken to the streets in protest, demanding Besigye’s release. Several have been arrested in the process.
In response, Museveni reiterated Uganda’s long-standing commitment to accountability, drawing parallels between the nation’s current stability and its turbulent past.
He referenced historical figures such as Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, and Edward Mutesa, who suffered under previous regimes, to highlight the country’s progress in upholding justice.
“We are now able to remember [them]… moving through a peaceful Uganda and traveling on good tarmac roads because the freedom fighters sacrificed themselves and defeated Idi Amin and all the other killers,” he noted.
Besigye’s detention has sparked intense debate, with many claiming that the charges against him are politically motivated, while government officials insist they are a matter of national security.
In his statement, Museveni said that individuals who pose a threat to national security must face the full force of the law.
“We are not for vengeance, but the danger of the killers must be removed,” he said, implying that Besigye’s legal proceedings should follow due process rather than political compromise.
Addressing concerns over Besigye’s health, Museveni dismissed claims of medical neglect, noting that prison facilities include a government hospital and that Besigye’s personal doctors have been granted access.
“Dr. Besigye’s doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics. If additional medical care were needed, the government would be advised,” he stated.
However, Museveni also pointed to Besigye’s hunger strike as a contributing factor to his weakness, criticizing it as an attempt to manipulate public sympathy.
“Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and then respond with a hunger strike to gain sympathy for bail? Why not demand a quick trial?” he questioned. “The military court was ready for trial. Let us wait for the civilian court.”
Museveni’s latest comments indicate the government’s readiness to proceed with the legal process, signaling little room for negotiations outside the courtroom.
Besigye and his political associate, Hajj Obeid Lutale, were remanded by the General Court Martial on security-related charges. However, a Supreme Court ruling on January 31 declared the trial of civilians in military courts illegal.
