Ugandan officials said the jailed opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, will stay locked up until his treason trial finishes. This came from a government press event in Rukungiri District, Besigye's hometown, where people have been complaining about his treatment. The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, spoke for President Yoweri Museveni. He was joined by the Security Minister Jim Muhwezi and the ICT Minister Chris Baryomunsi.
Tayebwa claimed the state is ready with its evidence, but the trial keeps getting slowed down by the defense. He argued that Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, have themselves delayed things by sometimes not appearing in court. Letting them out before a verdict, Tayebwa suggested, would make the charges look fake from the start. He denied any personal feud between Museveni and Besigye was behind the case, calling it a straightforward legal matter.
Minister Baryomunsi stated the courts are independent and the President lacks the power to just release someone under trial. Security Minister Muhwezi mentioned he actually asked Museveni to consider freeing Besigye before. He put the blame for the ongoing detention squarely on the postponed court proceedings, saying a quicker trial would allow for a different appeal later. The four-time presidential candidate remains detained as the controversial case drags on.
Tayebwa claimed the state is ready with its evidence, but the trial keeps getting slowed down by the defense. He argued that Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, have themselves delayed things by sometimes not appearing in court. Letting them out before a verdict, Tayebwa suggested, would make the charges look fake from the start. He denied any personal feud between Museveni and Besigye was behind the case, calling it a straightforward legal matter.
Minister Baryomunsi stated the courts are independent and the President lacks the power to just release someone under trial. Security Minister Muhwezi mentioned he actually asked Museveni to consider freeing Besigye before. He put the blame for the ongoing detention squarely on the postponed court proceedings, saying a quicker trial would allow for a different appeal later. The four-time presidential candidate remains detained as the controversial case drags on.
