Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has addressed the arrest and detention of opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 18, Museveni said he is aware of the concerns raised by Ugandans regarding the Besigye’s detention.
Museveni said the opposition leader was arrested for committing serious offences that he was planning.
“Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu. I have seen the concern by some Ugandans regarding the remanding of Dr. Besigye for the very serious offences, he is alleged to have been planning,” Museveni said.
Museveni explained that the main issue that Uganda should be worried about is why Besigye was arrested.
“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.
Additionally, the President asked Ugandans to ensure they do not promote insecurity over the detention of Besigye.
He explained that Uganda will not allow foreigners to educate them on forgiveness which has always been part of their doctrine.
“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,” Museveni said.
State of Cell Where Besigye is Being Held
This comes after his wife, Winnie Byanyima, revealed details about the prison where he was being held.
Byanyima described the conditions of his cell and the security barriers put in place to prevent Besigye from escaping.
“I visited Kizza Besigye in his prison cell today. I passed through six or seven locked doors before reaching his room, which is located along a dark and narrow corridor. He was lying on a small bed that occupied the entire length of the room,” she said.
She added that a pile of old newspapers and two worn cardboard boxes sat next to his bed, leaving just enough space for a single stool.
Besigye’s family later wrote an emotional letter to President Museveni’s administration, protesting his continued illegal detention, which they claim directly violates court orders.
Also Read: Inside Besigye’s Cell: His Wife Reveals Horror Details as Family Pens Emotional Letter to Museveni
Gen. Muhoozi Threats
Meanwhile, Son of Museveni’s son and Uganda’s CDF General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has been threatening to punish Besigye accusing him of trying to kill his father.
“But all of you remember. Besigye wanted to kill my father. Amongst the Bachwezi that is the worst crime! I must protect my father,” he said.
However, in another statement he revealed plans to forgive Besigye stating that “I will forgive KB. But first I will meet him and he explains himself.”
Also Read: Museveni’s Aide Gives Way Forward on Besigye’s Detention
Arrest & Detention
On February 12, Byanyima announced that Besigye had begun a hunger strike after spending nearly three months in detention awaiting trial.
Besigye was abducted on November 16 while in Nairobi for a book launch hosted by Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, revealed that authorities were holding him in a military jail in Kampala, Uganda.
On November 20, officials charged Besigye and Haji Obeid Utale at the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala. They were accused of possessing pistols and attempting to purchase weapons abroad—charges they denied.
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