Opposition party, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has responded to President Yoweri Museveni’s recent remarks on Dr Kizza Besigye’s trial, disputing his claim that the opposition figure is responsible for delays in the proceedings.
In a statement, the opposition party dismissed the president’s remarks as misleading, arguing they are meant to conceal what it described as prolonged state interference in the judicial process.
The PFF claimed the narrative being advanced by the government is “an inverted narrative designed to mask” what it termed as systemic manipulation and lawlessness surrounding the case.
The party questioned the legitimacy of the trial process, arguing that the case against Besigye stems from what it described as a “violent, cross-border abduction” that cannot be regularized through court proceedings.
“An unlawful process can never yield a fair trial,” the statement read, signaling deep mistrust in the handling of the case.
PFF further alleged that after failing to prosecute Besigye through the Makindye Court Martial, the state shifted strategy by transferring the matter to a civilian court under circumstances it claims raise concerns about judicial independence.
The party also cast doubt on the government’s assertion that it holds strong evidence, pointing to what it described as inconsistencies in the prosecution’s conduct.
According to the statement, the prosecution at one point sought to conceal witnesses and evidence, only to later withdraw the application and give the defense limited time to review extensive documentation.
The party argued that such actions undermine the fairness of the trial and suggest a rushed process.
The opposition group also raised alarm over the treatment of Besigye’s legal team, alleging intimidation, arrests, and restrictions targeting his lawyers.
It questioned how a fair trial can proceed under such conditions, insisting that these developments weaken the credibility of the entire process.
Additionally, PFF criticized remarks attributed to the president regarding detainees appearing in court, describing them as insensitive amid ongoing allegations of abuse by security agencies.