President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has questioned Dr. Kizza Besigye’s continued refusal to stand trial, nearly two years after his arrest.
Speaking during a presidential address on matters of national importance on Saturday evening, Museveni said Besigye has been “misusing the legal system” by avoiding court proceedings.
“Why would this great democrat and human rights fighter spend so many calories on refusing to go to trial where he would have the opportunity to prove his innocence and expose the undemocratic behaviour of Museveni and his family?” the President asked.
Museveni then drew from his own experience, telling the nation:
“I was in prison 8 times in Tanzania for nothing. If you arrest me for nothing, I will prove myself.”
His remarks have reignited debate on Besigye’s prolonged detention and the use of courts in political cases.
