Buganda Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga has been seriously alarmed by the continued detention of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. In his remarks at the launch of the Luwalo Lwaffe 2025 program, Mayiga called on the government to release Besigye because of his poor health and potential impact of his detention on the global image of the country. The ceremony, which also blessed the Tondeka Mu Luwalo program, was presided over by Kabaka’s subjects and county chiefs from throughout Buganda, focusing on the kingdom’s effort for socio-economic development.

Mayiga was not restrained in his condemnation of the arrest of Besigye. “Detaining Dr. Besigye while he is ill is not a good reflection of Uganda,” he said. “I ask myself why his charges and case files cannot be processed while he recovers at home.” The Katikkiro’s comments arrive as Besigye’s health continues to grow more and more of a concern. The opposition leader recently faced the Nakawa Magistrate’s Court for two charges of treason and was remanded until March 7. His detention has raised widespread question, with many asking whether the legal process was fair and at the right time.

Nakawa Mayor Paul Mugambe also had his say on the scandal, saying that messing up Besigye’s case can lead to unrest. “The government must tread carefully on this issue,” Mugambe said. “Any move of theirs could have dire consequences for the nation.” The mayor’s words only indicate how high the stakes are with regards to Besigye’s arrest, now a controversial issue in the Ugandan political landscape.

Mayiga’s plea to free Besigye is not just because of the opposition leader’s health. It is also a matter of Uganda’s standing in the world. Katikkiro urged maintaining the rule of law, quoting President Museveni during the swearing-in ceremony of judges at the Court of Appeal at the Presidential Palace in Entebbe. “The rule of law is the backbone of any democratic state,” Mayiga quoted Museveni. “We need to see justice done equitably and fairly.

The Luwalo Lwaffe 2025 program, announced in conjunction with Mayiga’s address, is a royal project aimed at stimulating socio-economic development in Buganda. The ceremony gathered Kabaka’s subjects as well as county chiefs from Buddu, Kyadondo, Busiro, Kyaggwe, and Bulemeezi, signaling the kingdom’s desire to improve citizens’ lives. Mayiga used the occasion to share not only politics but also public health and agricultural issues.

Aside from his comment on Besigye, Mayiga urged the people of Buganda to remain vigilant against Mpox, which is reported to be spreading among vulnerable groups. “We must take every precaution to protect ourselves and our communities,” he said. Katikkiro also urged farmers to continue cultivating barley despite challenges like tax issues. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy,” he said. “We must be strong and continue to engage our farmers.”

Joseph Kawuuki, the Kabaka’s minister of local government and diaspora affairs, stated that the Tondeka Mu Luwalo program has been well supported in Buganda’s provinces. The program, which focuses on community development and empowerment, is among the key programs of the kingdom to foster socio-economic development. “The Tondeka Mu Luwalo program is a demonstration of the unity and determination of the people of Buganda,” Kawuuki added. “We believe in working together to craft a better future for our kingdom.”

The speech at the ceremony by Mayiga served as a stark reminder of the problems confronting Uganda, ranging from tensions over politics to health problems and agricultural woes. His demand for Besigye’s release will also probably strike a chord with many who feel that the opposition leader’s imprisonment is unfair and harmful to the nation’s image. As Uganda grapples with these complex issues, the Katikkiro’s statement is a call to action for the government and the people to work together for the greater good.

Dr. Kizza Besigye’s arrest is now a metaphor for Uganda’s broader political crisis. Mayiga’s action reminds us of the need for dialogue, transparency, and observance of rule of law. In a nation beset by such questions, Katikkiro of Buganda’s statement reminds us of the need for unity, justice, and compassion as the foundation of forging a better tomorrow for every Ugandan.