Summary:
Minister Musasizi reminded those calling for Dr. Besigye’s release to first consider the reasons for his arrest.
RUBANDA: The Minister of Finance in charge of General Duties Henry Musasizi, has urged residents of Rubanda District to refrain from blaming the government for the detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye.
While addressing residents in Kitojo Parish, Bubaare Town Council, Rubanda East Constituency, during an assessment of the utilization of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, Minister Musasizi reminded those calling for Dr. Besigye’s release to first consider the reasons for his arrest.
Musasizi emphasized that Dr. Besigye’s case is currently before the courts, urging Ugandans to allow the judiciary to handle the matter independently. He cautioned against politicizing the arrest, stressing that Uganda operates under the rule of law, and it is the court’s responsibility to determine whether Besigye has a case to answer.
CUE IN MINISTER MUSASIZI….ON BESIGYE……RR//
Minister Musasizi also used the opportunity to rally residents to embrace President Museveni’s call for wealth creation by taking advantage of various government programs, such as the Parish Development Model, aimed at eradicating poverty at the household level.
According to Rubanda District LC5 Chairman Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, Shs14 billion has been disbursed as revolving funds to support development initiatives in the district.
Earlier this week, President Museveni reiterated that if Ugandans seek a stable country, they should focus on understanding why Dr. Besigye was arrested in the first place.
He warned that those advocating for his release could inadvertently promote insecurity, which poses a significant threat to national stability. The President reaffirmed that the government’s approach is grounded in accountability, particularly for individuals implicated in activities endangering Ugandan lives.
Dr. Besigye and his aide, Hajji Obeid Lutale, appeared before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where they were formally charged with treason. Chief Magistrate Esther Nyadoi informed them that the court lacked jurisdiction to try the case.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Lino Anguzu requested an adjournment, citing incomplete investigations and unprepared committal documents.
The new charges allege that Besigye, Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola, a UPDF officer, conspired to overthrow the Ugandan government by force between 2023 and November 2024 in various locations, including Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala.
They also face alternative charges of misprision of treason for allegedly failing to report a plot to commit treason.
Notably, the new charges do not include the initial allegations of unlawful possession of a pistol and eight bullets.
Reports indicate that Besigye’s health has deteriorated significantly, leaving him unable to walk unaided and reliant on a wheelchair. His legal team has urged the court to grant him bail, citing his critical health condition and the urgent need for medical attention.
The case has been adjourned until March 7, 2025, pending further investigations.
