President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has taken it to his X page to address the rise in worries among Ugandans as he addressed why Dr. Kizza Besigye was arrested and remanded. In the message, Museveni made it clear that what the Ugandans should be asking is not a question of releasing or not releasing Besigye but, rather, “Why did Dr. Besigye get arrested?

“Through a quick and open trial, the facts need to be revealed,” the president said. With the political drama over Besigye’s arrest still building, many are asking whether his arrest is a politically driven act of persecution or a genuine step to deal with serious crimes. Museveni acknowledged these anxieties but was adamant that what Uganda most requires now is stability and the administration of the rule of law. “If you want a stable country, the better question would be: Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?” Museveni wrote.

He believes very strongly that the answer to this question is a need for a fair and prompt trial to reveal the facts. The president reminded Ugandans of how accountability can maintain the nation in peace and security. While critics may be quick to call for the release of Besigye, Museveni reminded them that this would rather help to exacerbate insecurity. In his speech, he pointed out that forgiveness and reconciliation are part of Uganda’s values, a principle that had been since the 1960s.

But these values, Museveni insists, must be balanced against the need for accountability, especially for those who have caused harm to the nation or posed a threat to its peace. “For a peaceful Uganda today, we remember our fallen heroes—leaders like Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, and many others who sacrificed their lives so that the country could be free from oppression,” the president wrote.

“We are not interested in revenge, but we have to hold in account those who cause harm, particularly those who kill Ugandans.” The message of Museveni was unequivocal that the nation is peaceful, yet it also has faith in its security and safety. Museveni stated the issue at stake is the process of justice. He regretted the delays experienced in the trial, which occurred due to technical issues in the military courts. As Museveni observed, the courts did find some loopholes in the military court structure, which propelled the case being moved to the civilian courts.

The government and legislators are presently concerned with completing these loopholes and ensuring justice can be done without further postponements. Despite calls for Besigye’s release or bail, Museveni made a good point: if Dr. Besigye is as confident of his innocence as he says he is, why not demand a speedy trial to prove it? Rather than forgiveness or bail, the president encouraged Besigye to demand a speedy judicial process in which he can prove himself innocent. “Since you say you are innocent, why don’t you insist on having a speedy trial so that you can vindicate yourself?” Museveni asked. He also asked himself why serious criminals would be in a position to go on holiday or receive sympathetic treatment while still on trial.

Prior to the president was the primacy of the law and accountability. Dr. Besigye’s health was also mentioned in the president’s address. Others have also accused Besigye of weakness and poor health. Museveni assured the country that there is a government hospital inside the prison where Besigye can receive treatment. Besides, Besigye’s doctors have also been treating him and have even taken him to private clinics.

In case any other medical treatment is needed, the government is prepared to provide it, the president said. No. In addition to all that, though, Museveni specifically targeted Dr. Besigye’s hunger strike as one of the things that had rendered him “weak” enough to be pardoned. He labeled the hunger strike an “unprincipled blackmail” intended to garner sympathy and blackmail. into springing him. Museveni defied the logic of using a hunger strike as a response to being charged with serious crimes, and instead suggested that Besigye should demand a speedy and equitable trial.

“Why don’t you demand a speedy trial?” the president demanded, pointing out that the military court was ready to try him before it was transferred to the civilian courts. Briefly, President Museveni has conveyed one message to the public in Uganda: the focus should not be on demands for the release of Besigye, but on ensuring justice is witnessed. Through a fair and transparent trial, the facts will come out, and the truth will be unveiled.

Museveni wished Ugandans to remain patient and allow the legal process to proceed without unnecessary interference. As the case makes its way through the civilian courts, the president emphasized the necessity of keeping Uganda stable and accountable.
As Ugandans watch the events unfolding around the arrest of Dr. Besigye, one thing is clear: the question of why he was arrested, and not if he should be released, is central to the nation’s future peace and security.