Hard Times For Museveni as Besigye Exposes What He's Going Through, Leaves His Supporters Emotional

President Yoweri Museveni is under growing pressure following revelations by opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye about his detention conditions, which have sparked public outcry and emotional reactions among his supporters.

Leader of Opposition (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi, along with several Members of Parliament, visited Besigye and his aide Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya at Luzira Maximum Security Prison on Wednesday, April 23.

The two were arrested in Kenya in November 2024 and later tried before the General Court Martial on subversion charges.

Despite the Supreme Court nullifying the charges in January 2025, they remain in custody as the government seeks to transfer their cases to civilian courts.

Ssenyonyi reported that Besigye criticized the prison system for treating suspects like convicts.

"They can't freely meet the people they would like to see. They are forced to sit behind glass and communicate via telephone," he stated.

The MPs insisted on face-to-face access to assess the detainees' condition and concerns. Ssenyonyi decried the judicial delays, saying some detainees had spent over four years in custody without trial.

“If you had any evidence, surely four years would be enough to present it in court,” he said.

He called on Justice Minister Norbert Mao to ensure a speedy and fair legal process and emphasized that many detainees believe they are being held for their political views, not criminal actions.

The visit and Besigye’s remarks have intensified scrutiny on Museveni’s government