Museveni on Besigye's detention: 'The right question is why he was arrested'

Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the detention of Dr Kizza Besigye, stating that the correct question to ask is not why Dr Besigye was remanded, but rather why he was arrested in the first place.

“If you want a stable country, the more correct question should be: Why was Dr Besigye arrested?” Museveni said. “The answer to that is a quick trial so that facts come out.”

In a statement posted on his X handle on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Museveni emphasized the importance of accountability, particularly for those who have committed serious crimes.

“We are not for vengeance, but the danger posed by killers must be removed,” he said. He also highlighted Uganda's history of promoting reconciliation and forgiveness but noted that this should not come at the expense of accountability.

Regarding Dr Besigye's health, Museveni pointed out that there is a government hospital in the prison and that Dr Besigye's personal doctors have been visiting him.

However, he also noted that Dr Besigye's hunger strike has contributed to his weakness.

"Is that not unprincipled blackmail?" Museveni asked.

"How can you be accused of serious crimes and then your response is a hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail? Why don’t you demand a quick trial?"

Museveni also addressed the delay in Dr Besigye's trial, which had to be transferred from the military court to the civilian court.

"Who slowed down the trial process? It is the courts that pointed out some gaps in the military courts and ordered the transfer of the cases to civilian courts," he said.