President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has asked the former leader of Opposition Forum for Democratic Change, FDC party Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye to demand a quick trial and stop hunger strike.

In a message shared on his official X account on Tuesday, 18th February 2025, Museveni blamed Besigye’s failing health on the hunger strike that he has been undergoing while in Luzira Prison.

Museveni’s statement stemmed from Monday’s social media uproar demanding Besigye’s release from prison.

“If you want a stable country, the more correct question should be, ‘Naye Dr. Besigye bamukwatila ki? Why was Dr. Besigye arrested?” The answer to that is a quick trial so that facts come out. Otherwise, you are promoting insecurity, which is very dangerous for the country. Nobody in the world can easily give us lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness because that is part of our doctrine right from the 1960s,” Museveni said.

According to President Museveni, if there was a need for any additional medical care for Dr. Besigye, the government would have been advised.

“Dr. Besigye was on a hunger strike. That is part of the cause for his weakness that we could see in the pictures that were in the newspapers. Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and, then, your response is a hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail, etc.? Why don’t you demand a quick trial? The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court,” President Museveni argued.

He said the process to transfer Besigye’s files from the military court martial to civilian courts is ongoing.

“The concerned people are, therefore, working on two fronts. Transfer the files from the military courts and the government and the legislators to close the gaps in the military courts. If you are innocent, why do you not demand a quick trial so that you can prove your innocence and expose those who are “persecuting” you instead of demanding bail or forgiveness, as if serious crime is also entitled to holidays?” Museveni said.

Museveni noted that NRM’s doctrines have always been based on accountability by the mistake makers, especially those who killed Ugandans.

“We are now able to remember Janani Luwum, Benedicto Kiwanuka, Kiingo Chemonges, Edward Mutesa, etc., moving through a peaceful Uganda and traveling on good tarmac roads because the freedom fighters sacrificed themselves and defeated Idi Amin and all the other killers. We are not for vengeance, but the danger of the killers must be removed. Therefore, the correct answer in the matter of Dr. Besigye is a quick trial,” he explained.

Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS said she visited her husband on Tuesday but he was weak.

“I visited Kizza Besigye in his prison cell today. He was lying on a small bed that occupies the whole length of the room. A pile of old newspapers and two old cardboard boxes next to his bed left room for one stool to sit on,” Byanyima recounted.

Besigye was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, threatening national security, and treason—a charge that carries the death penalty. He denies all accusations.