Dr Kiiza Besigye after visiting the private clinic
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Promoting insecurity is very dangerous for the country, and anyone engaged in such much face the wrath of the law, President Yoweri Museveni has said.
In a strong worded letter to the Bazukulu (grand children) which he penned today and also shared on his X handle, formerly Twitter, Museveni said he has seen the concern by some Ugandans regarding the remanding of Dr. Besigye for the very serious offences he is alleged to have been planning.
“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,” he said.
President Museveni further noted that if such characters are not confronted legally and through other means, you are promoting insecurity which is very dangerous for the country.
He also confronted the foreigners who are advocating for Dr Besigye’s immediate release, saying: “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. We are now able to remember Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, Kiingo Chemonges, Edward Mutesa, etc., moving through a peaceful Uganda and travelling on good tarmac roads, because the freedom fighters sacrificed themselves and defeated Idi Amin and all the other killers,” he said.
Correcting the wrongs
Museveni said his Government is not for vengeance, but the danger of the killers must be removed.
“Therefore, the correct answer in the matter of Dr. Besigye is a quick trial.”
He also lacked kind words for the Judges in the Supreme Court who ruled that trying Besigye in a military court was unconstitutional. The court had ruled that the Military Court Martial doesn’t have jurisdiction over cases committed by civilians.
“Who slowed down the trial process? It is the Courts that pointed out some gaps in the Military Courts and they ordered the transfer of the cases to Civilian Courts,” he said.
In a statement posted by Haji Faruk Kirunda, the deputy Presidential Press Secretary, Museveni said the concerned people are, therefore, working on two fronts.
“Transfer the files to the Civilian Courts from the Military Courts and the Government and the legislators to close the gaps in the Military Courts. If you are innocent, why do you not demand for 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?”
He said on the issue of sickness, there is a Government’s 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 Government would be advised,” he said.
Hunger or sickness?
President Museveni also rubbished allegations that Dr Besigye’s health problems are rooted in sickness.
“Information coming to us is that 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,” he said.
He referred to the whole scheme of things as 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.”
State backtracks
Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the Information Minister addressing the press
In an earlier development, the State has backtracked on its earlier stance that Besigye should be tried in the Military Court Martial, since he was foud to be in possession of military ware.
Dr Chris Baryomunsi, the Information Minister announced late on Sunday that Kizza Besigye would have his case transferred to a civilian court. The announcement came amid reports that Besigye, who is on hunger strike, had been temporarily moved to a medical clinic.
Baryomunsi had earlier visited Besigye in prison to urge him to end his hunger strike while his case is moved. The veteran opposition leader is charged with illegal firearm possession and threatening state security.
