President Yoweri Museveni has reignited debate over the long-running legal battle involving opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye, questioning both the conduct of the accused and the pace of Uganda’s judicial process.
In a national address delivered on Saturday night, July 7, Museveni accused Besigye of deliberately avoiding trial since his arrest on November 17, 2024.
The president argued that the opposition leader had instead chosen to “misuse the legal system” to delay proceedings, raising concerns about accountability and judicial efficiency.
Museveni posed a series of rhetorical questions, challenging Besigye’s public image as a pro-democracy advocate.
He questioned why a figure widely known for championing human rights would resist appearing in court to defend himself and, if necessary, expose what he has often described as state oppression.
“Why would this great democrat and human rights fighter spend so many calories refusing to come to trial?” Museveni asked, suggesting that the courtroom would provide Besigye with an opportunity to prove his innocence and validate his long-standing claims against the government.
The president also turned his attention to the judiciary, questioning why the legal system has allowed what he described as prolonged refusal by an accused person to stand trial.
His remarks are likely to fuel ongoing discussions about the independence and effectiveness of Uganda’s legal institutions, particularly in politically sensitive cases.
Besigye, a long-time political rival of Museveni, has previously maintained that legal processes against him are politically motivated.
His supporters argue that his actions are a form of protest against what they view as systemic bias within state institutions.
Museveni’s comments, however, present a contrasting narrative, framing the situation as a test of legal responsibility and procedural integrity.
The remarks come at a time of heightened political scrutiny in Uganda, where the relationship between opposition figures and state institutions remains a contentious issue.