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By Ben Musanje
The Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, has called for a speedy trial for opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, accusing his legal team of deliberately delaying the proceedings.
Wangadya expressed concern that repeated applications, appeals, and petitions from Besigye’s lawyers are contributing to the prolonged legal battle, preventing the case from moving forward.
In her remarks at a joint press conference with key stakeholders in the management of the 2026 elections held at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Thursday, Wangadya emphasized that the Uganda Human Rights Commission, as stipulated under Article 53, Clause 4(A) of its mandate, is prohibited from investigating matters currently before the court.
This restriction limits the Commission’s ability to weigh in on why Dr. Besigye remains in detention or to challenge judicial decisions regarding his case.
However, Wangadya did not hold back in addressing the procedural delays, which she believes are undermining the timely resolution of Besigye’s trial.
Dr. Besigye, a former presidential candidate and long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been arrested multiple times over the years on various charges, including treason and inciting violence.
His prolonged detention has drawn widespread attention, with many accusing the government of using the legal system as a tool of political persecution. Yet, Wangadya pointed to the actions of Besigye’s legal team as the primary cause of the delays, claiming that the focus on procedural applications is hindering the actual progress of the trial.
“The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has stated that they are ready with their evidence,” Wangadya said. “But the lawyers for Dr. Besigye have continually filed application after application, appealing rulings, and now we hear there is a petition questioning the competence of the judge. That’s time being lost on procedural issues that should have been spent on hearing evidence and reaching a judgment.”
Wangadya expressed frustration with what she described as “trivialities” dominating the legal proceedings, suggesting that these delays are damaging the integrity of the justice system.
She reiterated that, in her opinion, the time spent on legal maneuvering should have been better utilized to present the substance of the case. “This case should be about hearing evidence, making a decision, and delivering a judgment whether it’s to convict or acquit. That’s what the court should be focused on.”
The delays in Besigye’s trial have not only drawn criticism from civil society but have also raised questions about Uganda’s judicial independence and the politicization of legal processes. Many see the prolonged detention of Besigye as part of a broader strategy to stifle political opposition.
However, Wangadya made it clear that the Uganda Human Rights Commission is committed to upholding the rights of all Ugandans, whether they are political leaders or ordinary citizens.
Wangadya also addressed concerns raised by some members of the public about why the Commission seems focused on Besigye’s case, while there are many other prisoners in Uganda who have been incarcerated for longer periods without trial.
She pointed out that, while Besigye’s case has gained significant attention, the Commission’s work extends beyond any one individual, and the rights of all prisoners are just as important.
“Why don’t you care about the thousands of other prisoners who have been in prison longer than Dr. Besigye?” Wangadya asked. “Every prisoner is important to us. That’s why part of our mandate is to inspect places of detention, to ensure that every Ugandan regardless of their status has their rights protected.”
The Commission is also actively engaged in investigating conditions in Uganda’s prisons and ensuring that detainees’ rights are respected.
Wangadya emphasized that the human rights of all Ugandans whether political figures or ordinary citizens are a priority for the Commission and the focus should not be solely on Besigye.
In addition to the ongoing concerns over Besigye’s case, Wangadya briefly addressed the Kawempe North by-election violence and the alleged abuse of an elderly woman in Okelo, both of which are under investigation by the UHRC.
Wangadya confirmed that investigations into these incidents are in their final stages and that the Commission will soon summon the relevant parties for hearings. However, she noted that commenting on these ongoing investigations would be inappropriate, as it could prejudice the legal process.
Wangadya’s call for a speedy trial for Dr. Besigye along with her criticism of the delays caused by Besigye’s legal team, underscores the ongoing tensions within Uganda’s judicial and political systems. While the trial continues, Wangadya’s comments reflect broader concerns about the efficiency of the legal system, the rights of prisoners, and the need for fair and transparent trials both for high-profile political figures and ordinary Ugandans. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
