Museveni Defends Denial of Besigye’s Bail, Rejects ‘Family Capture’ Claims as Political Storm Deepens
+256 702 239 337: Critics also fault the president for ignoring to address the forth and back several times and frustrations, denials of Martha Karua's legal practice licence applications in Uganda and her latest torment of being deported to Kenya following Lukwago's detention and remand to Luzira. The president completely ignored the fact that Besigye was forced to address court for over an hour while protesting denial of his lawyers of choice (Karua and Lukwago) to represent him.
UgandaToday: Museveni Defends Denial of Besigye’s Bail, Rejects ‘Family Capture’ Claims as Political Storm Deepens
By UgandaToday Reporter
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has mounted one of his strongest public defences yet of the continued detention of veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye, arguing that the former presidential challenger should face trial instead of seeking to avoid court proceedings while also rejecting longstanding allegations that Uganda has been “captured” by the Museveni family.
Addressing the nation during a press conference, the President defended the government’s position on bail for opposition suspects, insisting that national security, witness protection and the rule of law take precedence over political pressure.
His remarks come amid renewed domestic and international scrutiny over Besigye’s prolonged detention and growing calls from opposition supporters and human rights advocates demanding the release of political detainees.
Museveni Questions Besigye’s Court Strategy
The President said he finds it contradictory that Besigye, whom he described as a self-proclaimed champion of democracy and human rights, has allegedly spent considerable time resisting trial instead of using the courtroom to challenge the charges against him.
According to Museveni, if Besigye believes he has been wrongfully imprisoned by what he has repeatedly described as the “dictatorship of Museveni and his family,” then the proper forum to expose that alleged injustice is the court of law.
Museveni questioned why an accused person would refuse to proceed with trial for an extended period, arguing that such conduct places unnecessary strain on Uganda’s justice system.
President Links Delayed Trials to Growing Impunity
The President further argued that allowing criminal proceedings to stall for long periods encourages what he described as a culture of impunity.
He questioned whether any legal system should permit an accused person to decline trial while remaining in detention for years, saying such situations undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.
According to Museveni, prolonged delays contribute to frustrations that may ultimately fuel incidents of mob justice.
Opposition Accused of Promoting Violence
Museveni also accused sections of the opposition of nurturing what he termed “fascist tendencies,” alleging that some political actors have historically encouraged violence and intimidation.
He referred to the unrest surrounding the 2020 elections, claiming that supporters wearing ruling party colours were targeted and humiliated.
The President also cited slogans such as “Tugenda kwokya Kampala” (“We are going to burn Kampala”) and “Tajja kulayira” (“He will not be sworn in”), arguing that such rhetoric implied attempts to prevent the inauguration of an elected president through unlawful means rather than constitutional processes.
According to Museveni, government security agencies have consistently defeated such attempts.
Why Government Opposes Bail
Perhaps the most consequential aspect of Museveni’s address was his detailed explanation of why the State continues to oppose bail for certain opposition suspects.
He argued that some accused persons intimidate or interfere with prosecution witnesses after their release, making it difficult for the justice system to function effectively.
“The arrested opposition law breakers may not get bail because they threaten the security of witnesses,” Museveni said.
He maintained that witness protection is essential to preserving the integrity of criminal prosecutions.
According to the President, failure to safeguard witnesses could discourage future testimony and potentially create circumstances where security agencies resort to unlawful methods instead of relying on evidence presented before court.
Security Forces Defended
Museveni also defended the conduct of Uganda’s security agencies, saying officers continue to produce suspects before courts instead of taking unlawful action.
He argued that criticisms directed at security forces often overlook what he described as persistent provocation from extremist elements within the opposition.
In his view, the actions of security agencies represent “a consolidation” of Uganda’s struggle for patriotism, democracy, Pan-Africanism and socio-economic transformation rather than a retreat from democratic principles.
A Defence That Raises Fresh Political Questions
While Museveni’s address sought to justify the government’s handling of Besigye’s case and rebut accusations that his family has captured state power, the remarks are unlikely to end the heated political debate.
Critics continue to argue that Besigye’s prolonged detention raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns, while government maintains that the judicial process must proceed without political interference.
The President’s remarks also appeared aimed at countering Besigye’s longstanding narrative that Uganda’s political and security institutions have become concentrated within the influence of the First Family.
Museveni’s defence also falls short of pointing out the frustrations the legal team of Besigye has been facing right from the time Besigye and his co accused Obeid Lutale faced when they were arraigned in the court martial that was later disbanded by court.
Critics also fault the president for ignoring to address the forth and back several times and frustrations denials of Martha Karua’s legal practice licence applications in Uganda and her latest torment of being deported to Kenya following Lukwago’s detention and remand to Luzira. The president completely ignored the fact that Besigye was forced to address court for over an hour while protesting denial of his lawyers of choice (Karua and Lukwago) to represent him.
Whether Museveni’s defence will persuade skeptics remains uncertain, but it has undoubtedly reignited national debate over bail, judicial independence, political freedoms and the balance between state security and civil liberties.
Suggested Photos
- President Yoweri Museveni addressing the press conference.
Caption: President Museveni explains government’s position on bail, witness protection and Dr. Kizza Besigye’s prosecution. - Dr. Kizza Besigye appearing in court or during an earlier public engagement.
Caption: Opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye remains at the centre of an intensifying national debate over bail and the rule of law. - A wide-angle photograph of the press conference.
Caption: Journalists listen as President Museveni responds to questions on security, justice and Uganda’s political climate.
