Prisons Commissioner General Reveals Why He Can't Release Besigye After Lawyers Stormed His Office

A legal team representing veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale has revealed that Uganda Prisons Commissioner General Johnson Byabashaija is awaiting advice from the Attorney General before making any decision on their release.

The lawyers, led by former Kenyan Minister of Justice Martha Karua, addressed the media after a meeting with Byabashaija at his office on Parliamentary Avenue.

According to Martha Karua, the Commissioner General acknowledged the Supreme Court ruling on January 31, which declared the trial of civilians in military courts illegal.

However, he insisted that he could not unilaterally release Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale without legal guidance from Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka.

“Mr. Byabashaija informed us that he is waiting for instructions from the Attorney General’s office before taking any action,” Martha Karua stated.

The legal team has strongly criticized the delay, arguing that the Supreme Court ruling is final and should be implemented immediately. They maintain that Dr. Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale’s continued detention is unconstitutional and amounts to defying the judiciary’s authority.

“There is no legal basis for keeping them behind bars. The Supreme Court was clear—civilians should not be subjected to military trials,” Martha Karua added.

Pressure is now mounting on the Ugandan government to act swiftly and ensure the release of the opposition figures. Supporters of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Besigye’s political movement, have vowed to escalate protests if the authorities continue delaying the implementation of the court decision.

LINK: https://x.com/DailyMonitor/status/1886364750038118403

It remains unclear how long the Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka will take to issue legal advice, but Besigye’s lawyers have made it clear that they will not back down until justice is served.