Gov’t: Dr. Kizza Besigye Will Not Be Released Until Trial is Concluded

The Government of Uganda has said detained opposition figure Dr. Col. Kizza Besigye will not be released until his treason trial is concluded, insisting that due process must take its course.

The position was communicated on Thursday during a press briefing in Rukungiri District by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, who was representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

The briefing followed growing public concern, particularly from residents of Rukungiri—Dr. Besigye’s home district—who accuse the government of politically targeting the veteran opposition leader and denying him bail.

The meeting was held on the evening of December 19 at the Rukungiri District Council Hall and was attended by the Minister for Security, Rt. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi; the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi; National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearers and delegates, heads of security agencies, and members of the press.

Addressing journalists, Tayebwa said the prolonged detention of Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, was largely due to delays attributed to the accused themselves, not the state.

He noted that the two have been in custody for over a year facing treason charges and said the prosecution is fully prepared to proceed with trial.

“The government is ready with its evidence. What we are asking for is a speedy trial so that the truth can be presented openly before court,” Tayebwa said.

Tayebwa questioned why the accused were allegedly unwilling to appear in court, adding that President Museveni is concerned about the repeated delays in the case.

He further stated that Dr. Besigye had on several occasions declined to appear in court, insisting that releasing him before trial would create the impression that the charges were fabricated.

“Releasing the accused before trial would suggest that there was no basis for the arrest. Let the court process proceed, and Ugandans will know the truth,” Tayebwa said, calling on the defence team to stop delaying proceedings.

He dismissed claims that the case is driven by personal animosity between President Museveni and Dr. Besigye, insisting that the matter is purely legal and can only be resolved through the courts.

“There is no personal grudge. The arrest was based on alleged crimes, and only a court of law can determine guilt or innocence,” Tayebwa added.

The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, reiterated that the Judiciary is an independent arm of government and operates without interference from the Executive.

He urged critics to understand that President Museveni has no constitutional authority to release an accused person whose case is still before court.

“Those asking the President to release Dr. Besigye must understand that this power lies with the courts, not the President,” Baryomunsi said.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Security, Rt. Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi, revealed that he had previously appealed to President Museveni to consider releasing Dr. Besigye.

However, Muhwezi blamed the continued detention on what he described as delays caused by the defence team.

“If the trial proceeds quickly and the court reaches a conclusion, I will again appeal to the President. But as long as the matter is still before court, the President cannot intervene,” Muhwezi said.

Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, remains in custody alongside Obeid Lutale as the treason case continues to attract national attention and political debate.