Summary:
Dr. Besigye is facing charges of treason and illegal possession of firearms alongside Obeid Lutaale Kamulegeya. They maintain that their detention is unlawful, arguing that the Supreme Court had already ruled against the military court’s jurisdiction over civilians.
KAMPALA: A section of clerics from Kabale Diocese has protested the arrest of four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye, calling it unlawful and a violation of the country’s constitution.
The clerics, who traveled to Kampala last week on Wednesday to visit Dr. Besigye, pray for his release, and offer him comfort, expressed deep concern over his deteriorating health. They described it as heartbreaking to see him in a wheelchair.
Rev. Fr. Elias Kasigeire, Parish Priest of Nyarushanje Parish in Rukungiri District, decried Besigye’s arrest, stating that it has left many Ugandans in distress. He recounted witnessing several Members of Parliament crying over the situation and urged Ugandans to stand up and speak the truth.
Rev. Fr. Silverino Karugaba, Parish Priest of Buhara Parish in Kabale District, emphasized that “justice delayed is justice denied” and called upon Ugandans to demand Dr. Besigye’s release.
“We must come together and address suffering without fear or favor. I had only heard about his plight, but seeing him in a wheelchair, his health deteriorating, was deeply painful,” Fr. Karugaba remarked.
Rev. Fr. Felix Bunimba, Curate of Muko Parish in Rubanda District, condemned what he described as the persecution of Dr. Besigye, stressing that Uganda’s constitution does not permit the declaration of guilt before a trial. He called for adherence to the rule of law.
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Rev. Fr. Christopher Niwahereza, Curate of Sooko Parish in Kisoro District, urged church leaders to unite and speak out against injustice.
“If the gospel does not address the issues affecting people, then it is irrelevant. Church leaders must become the voice of the voiceless. Our mission includes pastoral ministry, visiting the sick, and supporting prisoners,” he elaborated.
He added, “We heard Dr. Besigye’s cry and that of his supporters. If we, as church leaders, do not speak out, who will? We must not stand by while people are condemned unjustly. Seeing Dr. Besigye in a wheelchair, denied medical treatment, is deeply troubling. The rule of law seems to be failing in Uganda.”
He further called upon government institutions to perform their duties without political interference.
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Renowned human rights activist and former Kitanga Parish priest, Rev. Fr. Gaetano Batanyenda, criticized President Museveni’s government for refusing to release Dr. Besigye, despite a Supreme Court directive. He also condemned First Son and Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for allegedly threatening Dr. Besigye with execution.
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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.
Prosecutors allege that the trio solicited firearms, financial support, and attended meetings in cities such as Geneva (Switzerland), Athens (Greece), Nairobi (Kenya), and Kampala (Uganda) with the intent to overthrow the Ugandan government.
Dr. Besigye and Lutaale maintain that their detention is unlawful, arguing that the Supreme Court had already ruled against the military court’s jurisdiction over civilians. However, Justice Singiza stated that under Section 56 of the Evidence Act, the court must acknowledge prior legal proceedings, noting that the accused had already been formally charged and remanded.
Responding to social media criticism, Justice Singiza remarked that while fair comment is permissible, some attacks—such as cartoons depicting him as a Nazi judge—were unacceptable and could amount to criminal prejudice.
