President Museveni speaks for the first time on Kizza Besigye's trial

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has spoken out for the first time regarding the ongoing trial of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, emphasizing that his arrest was based on serious allegations and that a speedy trial is the appropriate course of action. In a statement addressed to Ugandans on his official X account, President Museveni dismissed calls for Besigye’s release, arguing that a fair and swift trial would uncover the facts surrounding the allegations. He criticized those advocating for bail or clemency, asserting that justice must take precedence. “If you want a stable count

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has spoken out for the first time regarding the ongoing trial of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, emphasizing that his arrest was based on serious allegations and that a speedy trial is the appropriate course of action. In a statement addressed to Ugandans on his official X account, President Museveni dismissed calls for Besigye’s release, arguing that a fair and swift trial would uncover the facts surrounding the allegations. He criticized those advocating for bail or clemency, asserting that justice must take precedence. “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,” Museveni wrote on X. The President attributed delays in Besigye’s case to legal technicalities, particularly the transition of his case from military to civilian courts. “Nobody in the world can easily give us lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness because that is part of our doctrine right from the 1960s, ”he said. Museveni also dismissed concerns about Besigye’s health, stating that he had access to medical care both within prison and from his personal doctors. “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?” Museveni questioned. “The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court, ” President Museveni concluded. Kizza Besigye, a longtime critic of Museveni’s government, was reportedly arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024. The 68-year-old opposition figure, who led the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), contested and lost four presidential elections against Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. Besigye was Museveni’s physician during the guerrilla war but later became one of his most outspoken critics. He has been arrested multiple times.