Summary:
Bizimana expressed strong concerns over Dr. Besigye’s safety, cautioning that his death in detention would significantly impact voter turnout.
KISORO: Kisoro District LC5 Chairman, Abel Bizimana, has warned the government that if four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye dies in prison, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) should not expect votes from Banyakigezi in the upcoming general elections.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle earlier this month, Bizimana expressed strong concerns over Dr. Besigye’s safety, cautioning that his death in detention would significantly impact voter turnout.
“You cannot kill Dr. Besigye and expect Banyakigezi to vote for the NRM in the upcoming elections,” Bizimana wrote. “If he dies in prison, voter turnout will be less than 50%.”
He also criticized key leaders from the Banyakigezi community, accusing them of betraying Besigye while ordinary citizens remained silently united.
“The heads of critical leaders of Banyakigezi are buried in the sand, guilty of ‘Iskarioting’ their brother. The ordinary citizens, however, are silently united “Nkempazi”! You cannot kill our brother and expect us to vote NRM. If Dr. Besigye dies, voter turnout will drop below 50%,” he stated.
Bizimana further warned that Besigye’s death would leave a lasting impact beyond just election results.
“It will be more than just votes.it will inscribe an indelible mark on our hearts. Besigye must not die at the hands of the justice system before receiving a sentence. Did you think we were joking?” he added.
Using a metaphor, Bizimana compared the government’s actions to a cow’s udder.
“The udder of a cow is the key determinant. Regardless of the cow’s color, all udders produce pure white milk. But when the udder produces blood, that is a terrible situation. All along, my government has been producing milk, not blood. What’s wrong with the cow?” he stated.
He emphasized the need for unity among political parties to fight for Besigye’s right to life and called for immediate medical attention, as guaranteed by the Constitution.
CUE IN BIZIMANA……..ON DR. BESIGYE…….RR//
Dr. Besigye is facing charges of treason and illegal possession of firearms alongside Obeid Lutaale Kamulegeya. The duo was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024 and later arraigned before the General Military Court Martial, sparking public outrage. Former Nakawa Division MP Michael Kabaziguruka challenged the trial of civilians in a military court, leading to a Supreme Court ruling that the military tribunal had no jurisdiction over civilians.
Last week on Wednesday, Dr. Besigye appeared before the Civil Division of the High Court, presided over by Justice Dr. Douglas Singiza. His lawyers, led by Medard Lubega Sseggona, argued for his release, citing the absence of a valid remand warrant and the lack of criminal case numbers at the time of his detention.
However, on Monday, the High Court in Kampala dismissed the application, ruling that the case had been overtaken by events, as Dr. Besigye and Lutaale had already been formally charged at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on February 21, 2025. The court remanded Besigye, Lutaale, and Captain Denis Oola until March 7, 2025, pending investigations into treason and misprision of treason.
