I have no powers to release Besigye from Luzira prison- Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni

PARLIAMENT

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has said he cannot influence the release of his closest rival during the February 2016 presidential election, Dr Kizza Besigye, from Luzira prison where he’s held.
Dr Besigye was charged with treason and remanded after a video clip in which he (Dr Besigye) sworn in as president circulated online.
Mr Museveni on Wednesday said at the Serena Hotel in Kampala during the reading of the 2016/17 budget, “It is court that releases people.”
Dr Besigye’s party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) insists he won the polls with 52 per cent of the valid votes cast. Besigye was the party’s flag bearer.

Mr Museveni’s remarks that there is no much he can do to free Dr Besigye, came after some members of the Opposition in Serena conference room stood up and displayed placards demanding the release of Dr Besigye who was arrested on May 17, a day before president took oath of office.
Their action, on the other hand, followed Mr Museveni’s derisive remarks that he had heard that FDC had finally appointed a Leader of the Opposition in the 10th Parliament.
As their murmurs spread through the conference hall, Mr Museveni’s voice was drowned.

At this point, the Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga then requested the mainly Opposition MPs to show the President respect by resuming their seats and keep quiet.
“Hon. Members your request has been heard and noted. Please take your seats,” Ms Kadaga pleaded.
During the State of the Nation (SON) address a week ago, Mr Museveni avoided mentioning Dr Besigye, who like many political activists, and lately some development partners, has been calling for political reforms.