By Aggrey Baba
Former Bugabula South MP, Salaamu Musumba, has strongly criticized the government over what she describes as the unlawful detention of veteran opposition leader Col. Kizza Besigye, the disregard for judicial decisions, and the increasing incidents of political abductions.
Speaking during an interview on Sanyuka TV on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Musumba expressed deep concern over the government’s handling of opposition figures, stating that Uganda is now a “captured state” where laws and institutions serve political interests rather than justice.
Musumba, who has worked closely with Besigye for years and previously served within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), emphasized that she understands the operations of the government in and out, accusing authorities of deliberately suppressing political dissent and warned that Besigye’s continued detention despite his deteriorating health could have severe consequences.
“I know these people, I worked with them. I understand how they operate. What they are doing to Besigye is not new to me,” she said.
Musumba went further to suggest that the government’s ultimate plan could be to killing Besigye.
“They have done everything to him. If their plan is to kill him, we are just waiting for the body,” she stated.
Her remarks come in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional. Despite this decision, Besigye remains in detention, a situation that Musumba described as a direct violation of the rule of law.
“What kind of government ignores its own court rulings?” she questioned. “If the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land, has ruled that civilians should not be tried in military courts, why is Besigye still being held under illegal detention?”
Musumba also criticized the Minister of Information and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, who recently claimed to have visited Besigye in detention. She dismissed his statement as misleading and demanded proof.
“When did he see Besigye? Under what authority did he go? If he claims to have visited him, let him provide proof,” she challenged.
Beyond Besigye’s case, Musumba raised concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the country, citing the abduction of National Unity Platform (NUP) Head of Mobilization, Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, on Monday. Nyanzi, who is also the elder brother of NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, was reportedly taken by unidentified security operatives, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Additionally, four more NUP leaders were allegedly abducted on Tuesday, further escalating fears of targeted political repression.
“What kind of leadership is this, where citizens are snatched off the streets like criminals, and no one knows where they are taken?” she asked. “Ugandans are living in fear, yet those in power pretend everything is normal.”
Musumba concluded by warning that public patience is wearing thin. She argued that for years, Ugandans have exercised discipline and restraint in the hope of democratic progress, but such efforts have not yielded meaningful change.
“We have been patient, we have been disciplined, and what has it given us? Nothing! It is time to tell the truth as it is,” she asserted.
Her remarks reflect the growing frustrations within the opposition and among many Ugandans who believe the government is increasingly moving away from transparency and accountability.
Whether her statements will prompt any government response remains to be seen. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com)
