DP accuses government of favouring Besigye

The opposition Democratic Party says the government is giving preferential treatment to former Presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye compared to other opposition politicians.

Mr Nsubuga told journalists at the party headquarters in Kampala on Tuesday that other opposition candidates like Nakawa Municipality MP Micheal Kabaziguruka are still in prison yet politicians like Dr Besigye who are also battling treason charges secured bail.

“If you apply the rule of law, it must be applied to all. Hon Kabaziguruka has been in prison for how long? Isn’t he entitled for bail, why is he still languishing in jail? Did he commit graver treason than other politicians?” Mr Mathias Nsubuga, the party secretary general asked.

Mr Nsubuga said Democratic Party members who have previously been charged with treason like the late Prof. Yoweri Kyesimira, Anthony Sekweyama, Everisto Nyanzi among others, were never allowed to leave the country, which is not the case with Dr Besigye.

Dr Besigye left the country for the United State of America on Monday.
Meanwhile, the party says the move by MPs to recall Parliament would fail since opposition MPs do not have the numerical strength to influence the conduct of the 10th Parliament.

A section of opposition members of Parliament led by Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze are collecting signatures from legislators to recall the House over the violation of Dr Besigye’s rights.

“We as the opposition don’t have the numbers in Parliament. We are less than about 90. I don’t see any member of the NRM coming to append his/her signature to recall Parliament,” Mr Nsubuga said.
He also argues that Parliament has been turned into an “advisory organ of government” making it unable to check excesses of the executive.