UN chief questions government on Besigye arrest
This file picture shows Dr Kizza Besigye being dragged by cops to a waiting police vehicle at his home in Kasangati. The politician contested against Mr Museveni in the February 18 presidential election. PHOTO BY ABUBAKER LUBOWA
KAMPALA- The UN Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-Moon, has questioned the Uganda government why it has continued to detain former presidential candidate Kizza Besigye.
According to a Friday statement from the UN, the concerns regarding Dr Besigye’s detention, were raised by Mr Ki-Moon while meeting Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda as the two leaders discussed the recent issues on human rights violations, including sexual exploitation and abuse by Ugandan soldiers in the Central African Republic.
However, the statement did not say what Rugunda told Ban Ki-Moon in reply.
Dr Besigye is currently on remand at Luzira prison on treason, an offence that attracts a maximum sentence of death on conviction.
During the reading of the national Budget on Wednesday, a group of Opposition MPs were seen displaying placards at Kampala Serena Conference Centre, demanding the release of Dr Besigye.
The placards were displayed as soon as President Museveni stood up to address the nation.
In response, President Museveni said he had no mandate to release Dr Besigye and continued with his speech unbothered.
During the same meeting with Dr Rugunda, the UN chief also appreciated the continued sacrifices by the Ugandan troops to Amison in Somalia and sustaining the mission against Al-Shabaab terrorists.
