National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Rubongoya has pushed back against President Yoweri Museveni’s claim that opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye is delaying his own trial, arguing that the former presidential candidate is instead demanding a constitutionally guaranteed fair hearing.
In a statement issued on Monday, Rubongoya said Museveni’s remarks misrepresent Besigye’s position, insisting that the opposition figure is not opposed to trial proceedings.
He maintained that Besigye’s legal stance is anchored in Article 28 of Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair, public, and impartial trial.
“Dr. Besigye is not opposed to being tried,” Rubongoya stated. “All he has demanded for is a free and fair trial, as provided for under the Constitution.”
Rubongoya outlined key principles that define a fair trial, including the presumption of innocence, access to an independent and impartial judge, and the right to legal representation of one’s choice.
He also cited the need for adequate time and facilities to prepare a defence, as well as a public hearing where the accused can challenge prosecution witnesses.
The NUP official questioned whether these standards are currently being met in Besigye’s case.
He raised concerns over alleged harassment of defence lawyers, claims that state agencies have attempted to conceal witnesses, and repeated rejection of applications seeking recusal of judicial officers over alleged bias.
“Can he get a fair hearing when his lawyers are being persecuted?” Rubongoya posed, adding: “When the state tried so hard to hide witnesses? When several applications for refusal over partiality have been denied?”
Museveni, in a recent national address, accused Besigye of prolonging the treason case by filing multiple legal challenges rather than responding to the charges directly.
The President argued that such actions have contributed to prolonged delays in concluding the trial.
However, Rubongoya’s response highlights the growing tension between the government and opposition over the integrity of Uganda’s judicial process.