Summary:
Bishop Asiimwe emphasized the importance of compassion and reconciliation.
NEWS: Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Onesimus Asiimwe, has called for the forgiveness of four-time presidential candidate Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, whose deteriorating condition in detention has raised concerns among many Ugandans citing Colossians 3:13.
Bishop Asiimwe’s appeal follows controversial remarks made by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and son of President Museveni. In multiple posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Gen. Kainerugaba accused Dr. Besigye of being a traitor and hinted at deciding his fate after seeking divine guidance.
“What’s wrong with Besigye? Is he scared of the gallows? Let Ugandans decide his fate. Those who want us to forgive him, retweet. Those who want him hanged… I will make my decision tomorrow morning after talking to my God, Jesus Christ. But all of you remember: Besigye wanted to kill my father. Amongst the Bachwezi, that is the worst crime! I must protect my father! Be assured, if I decide to hang Besigye, I will do it in broad daylight. There is no shame in executing a traitor!” Gen. Kainerugaba posted on Saturday.
In response, Bishop Asiimwe commended Gen. Kainerugaba’s call for forgiveness, quoting Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” He concluded his message with a blessing.
Bishop Asiimwe emphasized the importance of compassion and reconciliation.
Meanwhile, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine and the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), condemned Dr. Besigye’s prolonged detention without trial.
In a statement on his X account, Kyagulanyi described the situation as a blatant violation of the Constitution and the Supreme Court’s recent ruling. He also highlighted Dr. Besigye’s frail condition and urgent need for medical attention.
“Perhaps his shocking images please Museveni, who is persecuting him, and his son, who says Besigye will only leave prison in a coffin or after kneeling before his brutal father!” Kyagulanyi posted. He urged people worldwide to demand the immediate release of Dr. Besigye and other prisoners of conscience.
In another post on Sunday, February 16, 2025, Kyagulanyi stressed that the persecution of Dr. Besigye was not just an attack on him but on all Ugandans.
“He is being detained illegally. He is sick and in need of urgent medical attention. He has served this country and fought for all of us. NO ONE should trivialize this dire situation. This is not a time for politics; it is a time to unite against the monster—Gen. Museveni and his brutal son. They clearly want to kill Dr. Besigye, as they have killed many before,” Kyagulanyi stated.
He warned that history shows how dictators operate: “They kill one today, another tomorrow, and another the following day. When they realize they can get away with anything, they descend on the entire population and massacre those who oppose their criminal regimes. What is happening to Dr. Besigye and other political prisoners can and will happen to all of us UNLESS WE RISE UP AND PUT AN END TO THIS HUMILIATION. Museveni’s son has already said that after killing Dr. Besigye, he will come for me and all of us. These are not empty threats—this is how genocides begin.”
Kyagulanyi commended those protesting and raising awareness, urging continued efforts to pressure the government to release Dr. Besigye and other political prisoners.
During the burial ceremony of the late Kellen Tumuhairwe in Kagyera Cell, Northern A Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality on Saturday, Rubabo County MP Naboth Namanya publicly protested Besigye’s detention and demanded his immediate release. He called on the government to respect human rights, expressing deep concern over Besigye’s deteriorating health.
CUE IN NAMANYA……ON DR BESIGYE…….RR//
Kabale Municipality MP Dr. Nicholas Kamara also expressed distress over Besigye’s condition, lamenting the inhumane treatment of someone who once fought to bring the ruling NRM party to power.
“This should not have happened to a person who fought to bring @NRMOnline into power or any Ugandan, especially against a Supreme Court order! Someday, someone will have to pay for this criminality!” he posted on his X account.
Save Dr. Kiiza Besigye- Demand for Justice and Freedom in Uganda online petition led by Dr. Bireete Sarah Lawyer and Human Rights Defender
To: The Government of Uganda, The Parliament of Uganda, The East African Community, The African Union, The United Nations, Human Rights Organizations, and Global Leaders
Why This Petition Matters
Dr. Kizza Besigye, a long-time advocate for democracy, justice, and human rights in Uganda, is facing continued persecution, arbitrary arrests, and suppression by the Ugandan government. As a former presidential candidate and opposition leader, he has tirelessly fought for democratic freedoms, yet his rights are constantly violated.
The Ugandan government has repeatedly used illegal detentions, excessive force, and intimidation to silence him. He was recently abducted from Kenya and charged in a military court; and on 31 January 2025, the Supreme Court of Uganda declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional. Dr. Besigye remains in Luzira Maximum prison with no remand warrant to-date. His health, safety and freedom are under threat, and we must act now to ensure his rights are protected.
Our Demands
We call upon the Government of Uganda and international human rights bodies to:
- Immediately release Dr. Kizza Besigye from arbitrary detention to enable him access health care services.
- Respect and uphold the Supreme Court decision outlawing trial of civilians in military courts.
- End political persecution against opposition leaders and activists in Uganda.
- Uphold democratic principles and ensure freedom of speech, assembly, and political participation.
- Allow independent investigations into human rights violations against political opposition figures.
- Open up the political and civic space in Uganda
Why Your Support is Crucial
If Dr. Besigye’s rights can be violated so easily, then democracy and justice in Uganda are at risk for everyone. By signing this petition, you are standing up for freedom, human rights, and democracy. The world must not stay silent while authoritarian repression continues.
Take Action Now!
Sign this petition and share it with your friends, family, and networks. Together, we can amplify Dr. Besigye’s voice and demand justice!
#FreeBesigye #JusticeForBesigye #DemocracyForUganda
https://www.change.org/p/save-dr-kiiza-besigye-demand-for-justice-and-freedom-in-uganda
