By Aggrey Baba
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has challenged President Yoweri Museveni to first address what it describes as intimidation of lawyers, alleged abductions of Ugandans, and interference in the judiciary before calling for a speedy trial for jailed opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
The remarks were made during the party’s weekly press conference held at its headquarters on Katonga Road in Kampala on Monday, where PFF Vice President Hon. Dr. Michael Lulume Bayiga accused the NRM government of undermining the very justice system Museveni claims to defend.
He said it was contradictory for the President to demand that Besigye proceeds to trial while, in his view, the legal environment around the case remains compromised.
“Mr. President, with respect, that is a lie. You asked why Dr. Besigye is refusing trial, yet it is your government that has consistently obstructed justice. It is not Besigye refusing trial, but the State frustrating the process,” Dr. Lulume said.
He alleged that Besigye’s lawyers have been subjected to arrests, intimidation, and deportation, arguing that such actions weaken the accused’s right to a fair hearing.
Lulume also claimed that retired UPDF officer Maj. Ronald Iduli was intercepted while heading to represent Besigye before the General Court Martial in Makindye, while lawyer Eron Kiiza was arrested inside the Makindye military court during early proceedings on contempt-related charges.
He further pointed to senior lawyer and Kampala Lord Mayor emeritus Erias Lukwago, whom he said was abducted and tortured after expressing intention to serve court documents on CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba over human rights related cases which were logged against him by Besigye.
Lulume also cited Kenyan senior lawyer Martha Karua, who he said was deported while attempting to represent Besigye in court. Karua is the lead lawyer in Besigye and Obed Lutale’s case.
According to Bayiga, these incidents point to a pattern of pressure directed at lawyers involved in politically sensitive cases.
He also criticised the head of state’s argument that Besigye should not be granted bail on grounds that he could interfere with state witnesses.
Questioning the logic of such claims, arguing that Besigye has been in prolonged detention and does not have the means to influence senior military officers involved in the case.
“How does a 70-year-old civilian who has spent close to two years in detention threaten senior UPDF generals with guns, escorts and the full machinery of the State? That statement alone exposes the level of political interference in this case,” he said.
The PFF outlined a series of conditions it says must be fulfilled before any meaningful discussion on accelerating Besigye’s trial can take place.
Among its demands are the transfer of all political prisoner’s cases from the General Court Martial to civilian courts, the withdrawal of charges against lawyers linked to his defense team, and an end to the trial of civilians in military courts.
The party insists that civilian trials in military courts undermine constitutional guarantees of fair hearing and judicial independence, further maintaining that only a fully independent judicial process, free from political or military influence can restore public confidence in Uganda’s courts and ensure that the Besigye case is handled transparently.
The party argued that unless these concerns are addressed, calls for a speedy trial risk appearing procedural rather than genuinely rooted in justice reform.
