Summary:
- Bishop Asiimwe expressed deep compassion for Besigye, stating that while he cannot change the situation, he is committed to praying for God’s justice to prevail.
RUKUNGIRI: The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has urged Retired Colonel Dr. Kiiza Besigye to trust in God, emphasizing that he is the ultimate source of justice during this festive season.
While delivering his heartfelt Christmas message to journalists at the diocesan headquarters in Rukungiri Municipality on Monday, Bishop Asiimwe extended his sympathies to all prisoners and detainees in police cells. He singled out Retired Colonel Dr. Kiiza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutaale Kamulegeya, who are currently held at Luzira Prison on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Bishop Asiimwe expressed deep compassion for Besigye, stating that while he cannot change the situation, he is committed to praying for God’s justice to prevail.
“God sees the innocent, and He knows those who deserve justice,” Bishop Asiimwe said, urging the faithful to pray for those unjustly imprisoned.
“So, when we pray for people like Dr. Besigye and many others behind bars, we are invoking the Lord’s intervention in hastening the process of their liberation,” he added.
Bishop Asiimwe also revealed plans to visit Dr. Besigye in prison at an appropriate time.
“I do not wish to interfere with the legal process, for that is not my role. However, as a religious leader, my duty is to pray for him, and I do so sincerely and with deep faith,” he concluded.
CUE IN BISHOP ASIIIMWE….ON BESIGYE…….RR/ENG//
On December 10, 2024, the General Court Martial further remanded Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Lutaale, to Luzira Prison until January 7, 2025.
The remand followed submissions from their legal team, led by Erias Lukwago and Eron Kiiza, who raised several concerns. These included the arrest of their colleague, Retired Major Ronald Iduli, the lack of adequate seating for the lawyers, and the denial of a practicing certificate to Martha Karua, who was set to serve as the lead counsel.
Lukwago informed the court that due to these issues, the defense team was not fully constituted and was thus unable to proceed with the case. He also introduced three visiting jurists: Margaret Nangacovie from Angola, Gicheru Kimei from Kenya, and Martha Karua, also from Kenya.
This is not Dr. Besigye’s first appearance before the Court Martial. In 2006, he faced charges of treason, rape, and concealment of treason, though the charges were later dismissed. Besigye has long accused the state of politically motivated persecution, citing the numerous charges he has faced in various courts without any conviction.
