Summary:
Fr. Gaetano urged Besigye, his family, friends, and supporters to pray for divine intervention and stand firm against intimidation while Besigye remains in custody.
KABALE: Renowned human rights activist and former Priest of Kitanga Parish, Rev. Fr. Gaetano Batanyenda, has returned to the activism scene, demanding the immediate release of detained opposition leader, Rtd. Dr. Kiiza Besigye.
Fr. Gaetano, 80, addressed the press in Kabale town on Thursday, breaking nearly three years of silence due to ill health. He condemned the government’s defiance of a Supreme Court ruling that deemed Besigye’s imprisonment at Luzira Maximum Prison illegal.
Besigye, along with his aide Obeid Lutare, was arrested and charged with treason and possession of military hardware by the General Court Martial in November 2024.
Despite a subsequent Supreme Court ruling that the military tribunal lacked jurisdiction over civilians, Besigye remains incarcerated, his health deteriorating due to a hunger strike.
Fr. Gaetano criticized President Yoweri Museveni and his government for their “deliberate” refusal to release Besigye, despite the Supreme Court’s directive.
He also rebuked First Son and Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for allegedly threatening Besigye with death by hanging.
“I wonder if Museveni and his son are angrier than God because of Besigye’s purported sins. What did Besigye do to Muhoozi that warrants death by hanging?” Fr. Gaetano questioned, his voice filled with indignation.
CUE IN REV FR. GAETANO….ON HANGING BESIGYE……RR//
Reading from Psalm 130, Fr. Gaetano urged Besigye, his family, friends, and supporters to pray for divine intervention and stand firm against intimidation while Besigye remains in custody.
CUE IN REV FR. GAETANO….ASKS BESIGYE TO PRAY……RR//
He also expressed gratitude to Archbishop Samuel Kazimba Mugalu and other religious leaders who have called for Besigye’s release, urging all faith leaders to speak out against his unjust detention.
“Religious leaders are called to serve and protect the flock entrusted to them by God, and Besigye is part of that flock. Silence in the face of injustice will not go unanswered by God,” Fr. Gaetano declared.
CUE IN REV FR. GAETANO….ON RELIGIOUS LEADERS……RR//
Meanwhile, President Museveni has urged those advocating for Besigye’s release to be patient, stating that the case is being transferred from the Court Martial to civilian courts.
“If you are innocent, why not demand a speedy trial to prove it, instead of calling for bail and forgiveness as if serious crimes deserve a holiday?” Museveni posted on his X handle.
