In a statement released by the Presidential Press Unit, Museveni described Dr. Besigye’s hunger strike at Luzira Prison, where he has been held for the past three months, as an attempt to blackmail the court into granting him bail.
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Dr Kizza Besigye
President Yoweri Museveni has finally addressed the ongoing detention of his former physician-turned-political opponent, Dr. Kizza Besigye. In a statement released by the Presidential Press Unit, Museveni described Dr. Besigye’s hunger strike at Luzira Prison, where he has been held for the past three months, as an attempt to blackmail the court into granting him bail.
Ever since a frail Besigye appeared in court last week, his pictures have made rounds on social media prompting condemnations from wide and far. Politicians, religious leaders, cultural leaders, and other ordinary Ugandans have called for the release of Dr Besigye to avert what they say is a real possibility of him dying in prison.
But Museveni said instead of calling for his release, the push should be for him to get a speedy trial. “On the issue of sickness, there is, first of all, a Gov’t hospital in the Prison. Besides, Dr. Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics. If there was need for any additional medical care, the Gov’t would be advised.
However, in this case, Dr. Besigye was on hunger strike. That is part of the cause for his weakness that we could see in the pictures that were in the Newspapers. Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and, then, your response is a hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail, etc.? Why don’t you demand a quick trial? The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court,” Museveni said.
The President’s statement notes that it was prompted by concern by some Ugandans on the continued remanding of Besigye. Museveni maintains that Besigye is being accused of, “very serious offenses he is alleged to have been planning.’”
He noted that those who are interested in a stable country instead of whining about Besigye’s remand should be interested in knowing why he was arrested in the first place “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. Nobody in the world can easily give us lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness because that is part of our doctrine right from the 1960s. However, our strategy and doctrine are also based on accountability by the mistake makers ─ especially those who kill Ugandans,” Museveni said adding that they are not for vengeance but that the danger of the killers must be removed.
Museveni also renewed his anger towards the Supreme Court for holding that it's illegal for the military courts to try civilians. He said if it wasn’t for this ruling, the General Court Martial was ready to expedite Besigye’s trial. He however noted that the process of transferring the files from the military courts to civilian courts is underway and therefore, Besigye should wait and present his case.
“The concerned People are, therefore, working on two fronts. Transfer the files to the Civilian Courts from the Military Courts and the Gov’t and the legislators to close the gaps in the Military Courts. If you are innocent, why do you not demand a quick trial so that you can prove your innocence and expose those who are “persecuting” you instead of demanding bail, forgiveness as if serious crime is also entitled to holidays,” Museveni said.
