Veteran political figure, Dr. Kizza Besigye, is scheduled to appear before a civilian court on Wednesday, 19 February 2025, following mounting pressure from Parliament.
The extended detention and deteriorating health condition of Besigye became a focal point of discussion during the parliamentary session on 18 February 2025.
Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale were apprehended and brought before the General Court Martial on allegations of unlawful possession of firearms.
The disclosure regarding Besigye’s court appearance was made by the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Norbert Mao.
“By the time we arrived at the court, Dr. Kizza Besigye’s legal team had engaged with the Judiciary and agreed to reschedule the hearing, initially set for Tuesday [25 February 2025]. It has now been brought forward to tomorrow [Wednesday, 19 February 2025]. During the proceedings, the court will provide necessary directives, which will be duly followed,” Mao stated.
This announcement followed a statement by Speaker Anita Among in Parliament, where she voiced concerns over Besigye’s prolonged incarceration at Luzira Maximum Prison, despite a Supreme Court ruling on 31 January 2025, which mandated a fair hearing before a competent court.
Speaker Among questioned the government’s compliance with the ruling, seeking clarification on the legal justification for his extended detention and inquiring about the timeline for transferring all civilian cases to civilian courts.
She also urged the government to address Besigye’s worsening health condition.
“As representatives of the people, we are the voice of the voiceless. We are elected to speak on behalf of those who cannot be present in this chamber. If we fail to do so, we are failing in our duty. An injustice against one person is an injustice against all. Today, it is happening to Dr. Besigye; tomorrow, it could happen to any of us,” she asserted.
Among further cautioned against the dangerous precedent of keeping an ailing detainee under harsh conditions, stressing that alternative measures should be explored if confinement is necessary.
Minister Mao briefed the House on Besigye’s health status, revealing that the opposition leader had been on a hunger strike for six days, leading to a deterioration in his condition, necessitating his transfer to a medical facility.
“Under Ugandan law, every individual, particularly those facing health challenges, has the right to medical attention. Besigye has been taken to the hospital for examination, and prison authorities are monitoring his condition,” Mao stated.
He outlined the steps undertaken by the Attorney General’s Office in response to the Supreme Court directive, explaining that the Attorney General had communicated with the Ministry of Defence and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and had requested the Chief Justice to assign a judicial officer to facilitate the case transfer.
Speaker Among, however, criticized the sluggish process, stating, “Bureaucratic delays should not hinder justice. Why should administrative hurdles prolong the implementation of a Supreme Court directive? These individuals are on pre-trial, not yet convicted.”
The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi, acknowledged the complexities surrounding the matter, advocating for a balanced approach that considers Besigye’s health, legal entitlements, and the judicial process.
At that point, Speaker Among suspended the parliamentary proceedings to allow discussions between members of the Executive and the Opposition to determine a way forward.
Upon resumption, she informed the House that certain Cabinet Ministers had left to seek further guidance on the next steps.
Subsequently, the Justice Minister provided feedback on Besigye’s scheduled court appearance.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, commended Parliament for taking a firm stance on Besigye’s detention.
“Let’s not always wait for unnecessary back-and-forth. Some of these matters require prompt action. Why must we always come here, raise our voices, and argue before action is taken?” he remarked.
