“Besigye Should Forget About Bail!” M7’s Government Slams Door on Besigye’s Freedom, Reveals Why He Won’t Get Out Soon
The Government of Uganda has firmly stated that detained opposition figure Dr. Col. Kizza Besigye will remain in custody until his treason trial is fully concluded, insisting that the matter is strictly legal and must be resolved through due process.
The government’s position was delivered on Thursday during a press briefing in Rukungiri District by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, who was representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The briefing came amid mounting public pressure, particularly from residents of Rukungiri—Dr. Besigye’s home district—who accuse the government of politically targeting the veteran opposition leader and deliberately denying him bail.
The meeting, held on the evening of December 19 at the Rukungiri District Council Hall, attracted a high-profile audience. Present were the Minister for Security, Rt. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi; the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi; National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers and delegates, senior security officials, and members of the media.
Addressing journalists, Tayebwa rejected claims that the state is deliberately prolonging the detention of Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, arguing instead that the delays have largely been caused by the accused themselves.
He noted that the two have been in custody for over a year facing treason charges, adding that the prosecution is fully prepared to proceed with the trial.
“The government is ready with its evidence. What we are asking for is a speedy trial so that the truth can be presented openly before court,” Tayebwa said.
Tayebwa questioned why the accused were allegedly unwilling to consistently appear in court, saying President Museveni is concerned about the repeated delays that have stalled the case.
He further stated that Dr. Besigye had on several occasions declined to appear in court, insisting that releasing him before trial would create the impression that the charges were fabricated.
“Releasing the accused before trial would suggest that there was no basis for the arrest. Let the court process proceed, and Ugandans will know the truth,” Tayebwa said, while calling on the defence team to stop delaying the proceedings.
The Deputy Speaker also dismissed claims that the case is driven by personal animosity between President Museveni and Dr. Besigye, maintaining that the matter is purely legal.
“There is no personal grudge. The arrest was based on alleged crimes, and only a court of law can determine guilt or innocence,” Tayebwa added.
Supporting this position, ICT and National Guidance Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi emphasised that the Judiciary is an independent arm of government and operates without interference from the Executive.
He urged critics to recognise that President Museveni has no constitutional authority to release an accused person whose case is still before court.
“Those asking the President to release Dr. Besigye must understand that this power lies with the courts, not the President,” Baryomunsi said.
Meanwhile, Security Minister Rt. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi revealed that he had previously appealed to President Museveni to consider releasing Dr. Besigye, citing humanitarian concerns.
However, Muhwezi attributed the continued detention to delays caused by the defence team.
“If the trial proceeds quickly and the court reaches a conclusion, I will again appeal to the President. But as long as the matter is still before court, the President cannot intervene,” Muhwezi said.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and long-time critic of President Museveni, remains in custody alongside Obeid Lutale as the treason case continues to dominate national discourse, intensifying political debate over justice, due process, and the treatment of opposition figures in Uganda.
