Continue the struggle, Besigye tells Opposition
Kampala.
The former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate, Dr Kizza Besigye, who is remanded at Luzira prison on treason charges, has told his party leaders to continue with the fight for rights and freedoms of the oppressed.
“When I was in Moroto Prison, I found many inmates on remand who have gone for over two years without seeing a judge. Most of them are now busy handling election petitions. Here in Luzira prison, which was built for 600 inmates now accommodates over 1,300 inmates. Go and continue our struggle to free these Ugandans,” Mr Ibrahim Ssemujju, the FDC spokesperson, quoted Dr Besigye as telling party leaders.
Mr Ssemujju together with Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago visited the former presidential candidate in Luzira on Friday morning.
The FDC spokesperson said Dr Besigye was in high spirits.
“Those who think that by jailing him they are going to frustrate him are lying to themselves. This is a man who spent four years in the bush during the war (1981 to 1986). So he is used to harsh and actual conditions. He is recharging. When he eventually comes out, he will continue where he ended,” Mr Ssemujju said.
The genesis
Dr Besigye was arrested on May 11 after a video clip on YouTube circulated on social media showed him being sworn in as President of Uganda.
He was later transferred to Moroto District in the remote Karamoja semi-arid region and charged with treason.
Dr Besigye was on Monday this week transferred to Nakawa in Kampala and charged with treason afresh before being remanded to Luzira prison until June 1 for mention of his case.
The Electoral Commission announced Mr Museveni winner of the February 18 elections with 60 per cent and Dr Besigye as runner up with 35 per cent.
Dr Besigye disputed the results and said the Electoral Commission wrongfully announced President Museveni the winner. Dr Besigye claims he won the elections with 52 per cent.
Meanwhile, Dr Besigye’s wife Winnie Byanyima visited him on Friday evening.
“I am pleased that today I got permission from prisons commissioner to regularly speak to Besigye on phone when I return to work,” she posted on Twitter.
