Uganda president dismisses Besigye's hunger strike as 'unprincipled blackmail'

KAMPALA, Uganda

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has responded to the concerns raised by Ugandans concerning Dr. Kizza Besigye's arrest and his apparent deterioration in health.

Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye (right) and Obeid Lutale stand in a steel dock at the Uganda Military General Court Martial in Makindye on December 2, 2024.

In a statement on his official X account on Tuesday, Museveni called Besigye's decision to engage in a hunger strike as "unprincipled blackmail" claiming that he should instead be demanding a quick trial.

"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? Why don't you demand a quick trial? The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court," stated Museveni.

The president's remarks come in response to public outcry led by Opposition leader Bobi Wine regarding the detention of Besigye, a long-time opposition figure, on charges the government claims are serious and linked to national security.

On this, Museveni warned the leaders against inciting unwarranted violence.

"The answer to the charges being faced by Dr Besigye is a quick trial so that facts come out. Otherwise, you are promoting insecurity which is very dangerous for the country," he warned.

Addressing Ugandans, Museveni further argued that the key question should not be about Besigye's detainment but rather the reasons behind his arrest.

"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. If you want a stable country, the more correct question should be, 'Why was Dr Besigye arrested?'" noted Museveni.

According to Museveni, the judicial process was initially set to proceed under the military court, but delays arose after the Supreme Court ruled that the case should be transferred to civilian courts.

He stated that the government is working on addressing legal gaps in the Court Martial while ensuring a smooth transition of the case.

"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. The concerned people are, therefore, working on two fronts. Transfer the files to the Civilian Courts from the Military Courts as the government through the legislature closes the gaps in the Military Courts," he explained.

Museveni dismissed claims that the government is deliberately neglecting Besigye's health, pointing out that he has access to medical care both in prison and from his private doctors. The president further insisted that any additional medical needs would be addressed accordingly.

"On the issue of sickness, there is, first of all, a Gov't hospital in the Prison. Besides that, Dr. Besigye's personal doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics. If there was a need for any additional medical care, the government would be advised," he said.

Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and former ally of Museveni, has been on a five-day hunger strike protesting his unconstitutional detention.