Dr Kizza Besigye Will Not Be Released Until Trial Is Concluded – Government
The Government of Uganda, through the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has held a press briefing in Rukungiri District to clarify the arrest and continued detention of Dr. Col. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale.
The press briefing followed public concerns, especially from residents of Rukungiri District, who have accused the government of arresting Dr. Besigye for political reasons and denying him court bail.
The press conference was held last evening December 19, from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the Rukungiri District Council Hall. It was attended by the Minister for Security, Rt. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi, the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, NRM flag bearers, district NRM delegates, heads of security agencies, and journalists.
While addressing the press, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa explained that the trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale has been delayed by the accused themselves, yet the government is ready with all the necessary evidence. He noted that the duo has been in custody for over a year on treason charges.
Tayebwa said the prosecution is fully prepared for the trial to begin and questioned why the accused are allegedly unwilling to appear in court. He added that President Museveni is concerned about the repeated delays in the case.
According to Tayebwa, Dr. Besigye has on several occasions refused to appear in court, and the government is willing to openly present the evidence so that Ugandans can know the truth. He stressed that releasing Dr. Besigye and his co-accused before trial would create the impression that they were falsely accused. He therefore called on the defence team to allow a speedy trial.
Tayebwa further clarified that there is no personal grudge between President Museveni and Dr. Kizza Besigye, insisting that the arrest was based solely on alleged crimes committed, which can only be determined by a court of law.
CUE IN… TAYEBWA ON BESIGYE… RR//ENG
The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, said the Judiciary is an independent arm of government and is not under the influence of any individual. He urged those asking the President to release Dr. Besigye to understand that the President has no authority to release someone who is still undergoing trial, as that power lies with the courts.
CUE IN… BARYOMUNSI ON BESIGYE… RR//ENG
Meanwhile, the Minister for Security, Rt. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi, revealed that he had previously asked President Museveni to consider releasing Dr. Col. Besigye. However, he blamed the delay on Besigye’s legal team, urging them to stop frustrating the court process.
Muhwezi said that if the trial proceeds quickly and the court reaches a decision, he would again appeal to the President, but emphasized that the President cannot intervene while the case is still before court.
CUE IN… JIM ON BESIGYE… RR