Human rights advocate Augustine Ruzindana has questioned reported discussions surrounding the possible release of Ugandan opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye outside the judicial process, arguing that the immediate priority should be ensuring that the detained politician receives appropriate medical treatment.
Ruzindana said reports of talks involving Besigye’s possible release could suggest that the judicial process had failed to secure a conviction or that authorities were considering dropping or dismissing the charges against him.
“I have seen reports that there are discussions about release of Dr. Besigye outside the judicial process which he has been subjected to,” Ruzindana said.
He argued that regardless of the outcome of the reported discussions, Besigye’s health should receive urgent attention, particularly given concerns that have been raised about his medical condition while in detention.
“Whatever the case it seems the urgent matter is allowing or facilitating him to receive appropriate medical treatment,” he said.
Ruzindana also raised broader questions about the circumstances surrounding Besigye’s detention, beginning with his arrest in Nairobi and subsequent transfer to Uganda.
He pointed to Besigye’s initial appearance before military courts before the case was transferred to the High Court, as well as what he described as difficulties involving his access to lawyers of his choice.
The human rights advocate further referred to evidence attributed to Wilson, described as a principal witness in the case. According to Ruzindana, the evidence raised serious questions about how Besigye was allegedly framed using pistols before his abduction in Nairobi.
Ruzindana said he was uncertain whether the reported talks could resolve all the issues surrounding Besigye’s case, but maintained that the government could make decisions through the relevant state institutions.
He suggested that some outstanding issues could subsequently be addressed through political consultations rather than negotiations.
“I am not sure talks can deal with the above situation but the State can take decisions in the relevant organs and then some issues can be resolved/handled politically with consultations,” Ruzindana said.
He also cautioned against describing the process as negotiations, arguing that such terminology could imply a plea-bargaining arrangement.
“The use of terms like negotiations, implying plea bargaining is not the way forward,” he said.
Ruzindana’s comments come amid reports of efforts involving political figures and other stakeholders to explore a possible resolution to Besigye’s continued detention and legal troubles, although the precise terms and outcome of the discussions remain unclear.