Besigye was charged for treason for about 1977 days!

“Just as I’ve been out on bail since 2019 on the treason case, I wake up to a newspaper article claiming my case has been dropped,” Besigye stated. “I have not been served, neither has any of my lawyers. It appears that the regime wants to propagate their narrative that I work with them,” he added. He has since vowed to seek legal action with his lawyers for malicious prosecution since the state has now retreated from the case” (Emmanuel Businye – ‘Besigye says treason charge is dropped to show him as ‘M7 Agent’ 11.10.2021).

Since the February 2016 General Election in the Republic. Dr. Kizza Besigye, the Presidential Candidate for the main opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). Besigye sworn himself in as President on the 11^th May 2016. After that he was arrested and airlifted to Moroto prison. Within 48 hours after the arrest and being detained in Moroto. He was charged for treason on the 13^th May 2016.

It is not shocking that the charges are dropped in 2021. It took 1977 days. That is prolonging the agony for too long. Besigye also proves how “cold” the case was, as he haven’t had a bail hearing for 2 years as well. It took over 5 years, 4 months and 28 days before it got dropped.

Neither, did the state produce any evidence and witness statements to keep the case alive. The state had the time to do this. However, it was just a ploy to keep Besigye busy with trails and bail-hearings. So, that he couldn’t do proper activism or revolt even against the rigged election. He was stuck fighting the case and the pending court trial, which never really happened.

We know that Besigye is not a Museveni agent. He has worked tirelessly to topple or have a peaceful transition. Nobody has a similar record like Besigye. As an politician and activist he has been arrested countless of times, thousands of charges and detained as well. Therefore, with the treatment and the way his been targeted. It is foolish to think he has been used by the state as a pawn. He and his family wouldn’t have been touched in the way they have. Neither how his allies have been taken out over the years. So, to sell that story now is unbelievable.

It is injustice to keep this case alive for so long. Especially, since it was nothing and had no reasons to charge him with it. The state didn’t even produce anything. That’s why we know it is just a technique to harass and target their dissidents. They are not charging someone, because they endangered the state or its highest ranking officials to coup d’etat it. No, they are just using it as a political weapon to silence the ones who challenge the President politically. Peace.

20 Years and Counting: Besigye’s endless fight for a peaceful transition!

Museveni after 2001 elections: “”We must interact with people who have genuine positions,” Mr. Museveni said. ‘‘But Besigye’s position was treacherous. He was telling lies.” (Ian Fisher – ‘Final Count Has Uganda President Winning 69% of Vote’ 15.03.2001, New York Times).

Let’s me clear about this, I am not doubting his causes nor his pledges to go against the previous dictatorships before Museveni, but a brief look at his fighting for justice since he left the NRM. He was part of the Bush War in the 1980s and he joined on his own will from Nairobi as a doctor. Therefore, he did his piece there to overcome Obote II. However, this piece is about the time of 1999 to 2019.

Ever since Dr. Kizza Besigye left the National Resistance Movement (NRM) his been in trouble. Been in exile twice, several times served with treason. His been arrested 1023 times by December 2018, incarcerated 217 and indicted for 894 offences. However, never convicted for any of these. That is the man, the main opponent since the fall-out, as he was charged and put to Court Martial for treason.

Clearly, the state as aimed at him ever since he left and for reasons so. He really showed the world, the true NRM in the verbatim in 1999. That note is still viable and relevant today. Because, the assessment there is still colouring the perspective of what the NRM has become. What the power has done to the Movement and how the President acts. That is why the constant reformer, turned opposition shall not only be remembered for that, but also for his continues effort to try to reform and a peaceful transition. Even if he pounded a little bit to use force in the beginning. But that has long gone and disappeared.

From his verbatim:

“The reality of the Movement today is that it is a political organization in much the same way as any political party is. Having no membership cards does not make it less so. In fact, in the letter referred to above, President Museveni further explains: “then some people may ask the question. If NRM could be already to compete for political office with opposing political forces in future, why not do it now? Do not support doing it now because it is not in the best [interest] of governance and fortunately now the people still agree with us. It is only when the majority of the people change that we have to adjust our position. It would be something imposed on us by circumstances.” So the NRM/Movement system is a convenient and, for the time, popular means to political power” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, Verbatim, 1999).

In an Interview in 2001: “I would not characterise it as friendship, but we worked together. I was his personal physician. I worked with him as Minister of State for Internal Affairs, minister in the president’s office, as National Political Commissar; then I returned to the army. It is because of this close association that I realised there were weaknesses, which I pointed out. This is the basis of our disagreement” (The New Humanitarian – ‘Uganda: IRIN Interview with opposition politician Kizza Besigye’ 24.08.2001).

He have continued like this ever since, not like he has looked silently by. This been done by running in further elections. Joining new pressure groups and initiating demonstrations against the regime. That has been done with persistent work and dedication to the cause of a peaceful transition. As Besigye, even with all odds stacked against him.

Besigye have gone from the Reform Agenda, from being in Exile and being a founding member of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which now have lasted for 15 years. The anniversary was just this week. It was held without any interruptions nor violent behaviour from the state. Which a rare thing in consideration of the party itself. As it usually gets into trouble and gotten harsh treatment from the state. Alas, as I stated above with the evidence of the mass arrests, charges and jail-time given to Besigye, and his one out of plenty of FDC leaders whose gotten into legal jeopardy over the years.

That is why I look up to Besigye. Because his been resilient and been through the fire for his stance, his decisions and his actions. That is why his lost a lot, it has cost. Not only jail-time, court-dates and whatnot. He has lost family members, comrades has fallen because of the battle against the NRM. There are so many whose been hurt because of it. That is what should sombre your mind.

Even as Besigye deserve praise for his 20 years of resilient fight against the dictatorship and has taken the cost of doing so. It is not like it haven’t had a price. Yes, his built up a party and has a following. Besigye has a standing and fought to be there. Hopefully, it will amount to more than momentum at a few elections, but a foundation for a peaceful transition. That the FDC can be a viable party for the future. Since, it has structure and built in the midst of storms and lack of space to actually do it.

Besigye together with his team has done this. Even the ones that has come and left has participated with him. The struggle have been real and the man deserves credit for it. Not only celebrate 15 years of the FDC, but 20 years of Besigye on the warpath with the NRM. If he hadn’t challenged Museveni. Some things wouldn’t been spotted, someone hadn’t been touched and questioned the government.

Still, the relevancy of him is not yet over. I think as long as Museveni stays, Besigye will have a place. Since, Besigye is the nemesis of Museveni and they both know it. The Yin and the Yang. Not that they are that friendly. However, Besigye would have been different if he had gotten power. That is just common sense. Power changes people, if he got in the mechanisms and the structure he believes in. Than, he would be different than Museveni. Who is all into himself and his vision. Museveni is not trying to be the visionary nor the freedom fighter anymore. The President is only living for himself and for his mission to be self-styled ruler for life.

With that in mind, the struggle isn’t over. There will be house-arrests of him, there will be more pinned charges, be more destruction of his car and blocking of the venue where he is supposed to be at.

Just proving his resilient, as he wrote this after the General Election in 2016: “This is why my candidature adopted the strategy of a Defiance Campaign. Our clear understanding was that this was an election organised on the premise of injustice. A political defiance campaign entails informing the population about the injustice and enabling the people to organise and confront the injustice. It’s important to note that a political defiance campaign is completely NON-VIOLENT. It employs well-informed citizens to non-violently challenge the injustices in the electoral process; protect against various forms of rigging on polling day; and ensure that the peoples’ will is respected. This was the purpose of the “POWER 10” system that we organised during the campaign” (…) “This is the critical moment for our political defiance campaign. Let’s all remember that Government power comes from cooperation, submission and obedience of the population. If the population withholds it’s cooperation, submission and obedience, the government loses power. I ask all our people to remain strong and vigilant, especially, members of Power 10. We shall call for non-violent actions that disempower the regime seeking to impose itself on our country. We may have to make some sacrifices and should be prepared to do so. I am confident that our people’s resolve to have non-violent change of leadership for the first time will become a reality in 2016” (Dr. Kizza Besigye – ‘The 2016 Uganda General Elections and the way forward’ (04.03.2016).

As we are seeing, Besigye have had hope for the change and the tideway for his cause. However, they haven’t showed up in the time of need. They have been their on rallies and around the opposition leader. But, when the buck stops and the machinery of the state with violence comes. It shuts down and silence happens, the fear take the public and that’s why the hope of Besigye fades.

Besigye have had hope since 2001 election, he has continued ever since. His had the ability to gain popularity and explain what is needed. Still, that hasn’t materialized and the state has been able to shut it down.

Besigye deserve credit. His is a man to get inspired by, and someone who has chosen the hard-way, where nothing is made for you. The state and its machinery is for the President and not for anyone else. That’s why Besigye have had no shot, he has tried and proved his point; again and again.

That people are downplaying the FDC and Besigye is because they are playing for the team of state. They want the FDC and Besigye to fail. That is just the way it is, because everyone is supposed to bow down to the fountain of honour.

The 20 years and still not over. That is the reality of it all. I have written in the past, about Besigye as the President, the Republic never got. Which is true, he most likely never will be. Because at the point, when Museveni gives way. He will be to old and the next in-line have come. That because Museveni never gave way to natural succession, but overstayed his welcome. Which he has.

Since, Museveni has overstayed, that is why Besigye is still relevant. You cannot have the arch-nemesis, without having the main protagonist that is haunting him. Peace.

Opinion: The Constitutional Court Judgement towards Besigye was just weird…

Whatever the Constitutional Court, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and whoever who supporters the powers to be right now. They should be baffled and boggled by the rare Supreme Court order delivered or served on the 12 December 2019. Not that I think anyone of us, would ever reconsider or think that the Constitutional Court would vote in favour or find grounds to do so. That would be naïve with the knowledge of how the system works.

However, the Constitutional Court has made a fool out of themselves. They have made a judgement that shows the blatant disregard for rule of law and of justice. Without even trying. Claiming what it does, without dropping any hint of subtle reasoning for why the petitioner has done what he has done.

What is even more funny about this judgement is how it stipulates certain factors for why Dr. Kizza Besigye did have his own illegitimate government. Without any consideration into the election itself and the evidence of rigging there. Which should in concern to anyone being legitimate, should be easy to answer and prove in the first place. However, that was deemed unnecessary or not fit. That is why this judgement is purely stipulating the narrative that the regime needs.

They not even looking into or caring about the violations of assembly, freedom or liberty of the citizens, who choose to act in civil disobedience, as they are just following the codes and using one tiny fragment of the laws, which fits the state itself. So, that they can violate and arrest, detain and use preventative arrests, without any concerns for the likes of Besigye. That is what this judgement says.

Continuing on the fantastic argument of Besigye being in contempt with the Court(s), as he claims that the government is illegitimate and the ones appointed by it is so too. Well, that argument in itself makes sense, but then again his running against the machine. A machine working to work for the President. Therefore, his battle against this had to be a lost one, because it is not as if they will claim to be ill advised and be out of place.

Then, as they continue, the says he can seek other courts or his own court even. Just like that will make sense. Telling someone to go nowhere, because his case is futile. I am sure that Besigye knew the results before he petitioned the Courts, he knew he would loose, but being bullied and told to fish elsewhere. Is beneath the Constitutional Court and the statutes that it adhere too.

So, if the ones praising this judgement think they are wise. Pardon me, but your not. Even if Besigye would be totally wrong, his point still remains and this one is only an deflection from the higher courts. That the system is rigged and no one else can win. He cannot even get relief or get any sort of function that gives him way. Especially, since the acts against him was deemed unconstitutional, still they wouldn’t salvage or give him anything. That shows that they are just giving the results the regime needs and nothing else.

The Constitutional Court takes the public and the Constitution for fools. That is why they are calling the 2011 and 2016 elections for legitimate. That is why they are upholding the current state of affairs, without even question it. Because, that means they would go against Museveni and they cannot do that.

The funny ending of the judgement too, the same rights enjoyed by the ruling party, should be enjoyed by the minority opinions must be allowed? Why is that not happening? Why every time the opposition does something, does the law-enforcement come to block it?

Well, enough foolish things in a day. Kizza Besigye proved his point, even by losing. Because, this judgement is both judicial and political voodoo of the first class. Peace.

Opinion: The impossible task of being Besigye

“Former FDC President Dr. Kiiza Besigye defied Police orders & parked his vehicle in the middle of the road, blocking& inconveniencing other road users.The car was towed away and he was taken to Naggalama Police. At the moment no charges have been preferred against him” (Kampala Metropolitan Police, 04.11.2019).

At this point it must be impossible to be Dr. Kizza Besigye. Because by April 2018 he was already arrested about 1023 times, incarcerated 217 and indicted of 894 offences. Therefore, the opposition politician have been in plenty of courts, seen many lawyers and in prison. This is not calculation the time spent under house-arrest or even destruction of his property. Neither, the damages done to him to hurt him and torture him too.

Therefore, it is so much that Besigye has gone through in his pursuit of a peaceful transition from dictatorship. Not like it hasn’t cost him. The ones belittling him should try to be through his journey. The ones calling him a NRM stooge, would a stooge and enemy of state be able to pull that off with these sort of ridiculous numbers. Which is real, which isn’t a flawed statistic, but a reality that his been through. It continues to today.

He was arrested in April 2019 in Mubende district for visiting a radio show. That is what happens to happen and surely more than what I can remember right now.

Just like that, Besigye is still charged with treason, which happened on the 13^th May 2016 at the Moroto Magistrate’s Court. Today on the 4^th November 2019, its a total of 3 year, 5 months and 22 days. That’s a total of 1270 days, which he has had this hanging over him. That’s for swearing himself in as the President in the aftermath of the General Election of 2016.

That is why you know this man has a lot of suffering, pain and torment, which that state has obliged him again, and again. That’s why his been answering for “crimes committed” during the Walk to Work in 2011, all over the place during the campaign trail of 2015/16. Something, that hampers and put more strains on a campaign. Plus, the newly added charges and sentencing, which comes by him visiting various of districts and Police Force pinning whatever statutes or codes of law they could on the man. That is just what they do.

That is why he was standing on the wrong road, at the wrong time today. That he was in the middle of the road in Kireka, as he was supposed to address the press at a Press Conference at the Namboole Stadium. That is the reality. Because of that, he was arrested again, his car smashed and towed away.

It is impossible to be Besigye in the Republic. That is because the state has designated it to be this way. That’s why has been arrested so many times and how it continues to stack-up. It is an never ending journey of hurt, pain and suffering. It is never ending story of oppression, where he cannot express him, be free and liberated. As he can at any minute be arrested, be house-arrested or be kidnapped by some sort of authority. Because, that’s what they do to him.

This is the mere reality. This is not fiction, but a real life journey of one man. Who is not free and whose the symbol of tyranny right now. While others suffers too, while others get arrested for challenging the authorities. His been the one fierce-fully lightening the torch for the next generation. Peace.

Opinion: How many Besigye lessons do we need before we listen?

“You are talking about 2021 elections, I was a candidate in 2016, and after elections, I was charged with TREASON for declaring myself winner. We are going into 2021 and that case has not been heard” – Dr. Kizza Besigye (on NBS Breeze, 16.10.2019)

Well, there has been plenty of this, where Dr. Kizza Besigye the People’s President has spoken on these matters. This is not brand new, neither is it unique. However, his analysis is still as vibrant as before. The need for this clearly there. As the National Resistance Movement and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni continuing their reign without question. Even, if there are major issues with his rule and the methods done to continue his self-styled President for Life project.

Therefore, the excerpts of the NBS Breeze Programme on the 16^th October 2019 was a breath of fresh air. His saying what his said before, as stated, but still. These things doesn’t seem to sink in. Like people are brushing it off, instead of understanding why he says it.

“Then there is a question of legitimacy. One, we have an illegitimate person who violated the Constitution by detaining his opponent to declare himself. Two, a person who is in office illegitimately, he has already illegitimately appointed the new Electoral Commission headed by Simon Byabakama. By the way, Byabakama was my prosecutor on very funny cases. Thirdly, this illegitimate president violently destroyed the Constitution and invaded Parliament with his troops in order to procure an amendment to allow him contest beyond 75 years. Of all the people who have so far shown interest to contest for the presidency, only Museveni is already 75 years. Museveni would not have been a candidate if he had not destroyed the Constitution” (Dr. Kizza Besigye on NBS Morning Breeze on the 16^th October 2019).

This is all well-known now, the things that Besigye is stating is facts. It is mere view of what Museveni has done. How his used his state power and control to secure his future. While that has happen, his also ensured that the opposition got into trouble. So that the issues would go away. However, breaches of legality and the violations of rule of law doesn’t go away. Even if all the courts of the Republic has accepted this. Still, we are supposed to believe that 2021 will be different , than 2016?

Who are we kidding?

Well, let me say it like this. A man whose made his life a con. A man that has rigged every single election his been in-charge off. Would you expect that man not to rig the up-coming one? Do you expect him to be honest? A man who constantly has made every single By-Election into a War-Zone and rigging competition of sorts. There is so much trouble ahead. That legitimacy is only the first bargain of the upcoming election.

That Besigye is still on bail three years after and not had to answer. Proves the ordinary troubles of a real opposition. As suddenly the Court will call trial and continue the case. However, the will not be produced affidavits or witnesses to ever create a viable case. Alas, this is being used to make it harder for someone to campaign and such. Just like all the old court cases coming and happening in the campaign period for Besigye in 2015 and 2016. This will most likely happen in 2020 and 2021.

We know the game. It is rigged, but people will not take the lesson. Getting National IDs and going into an Election. Bobi Wine and People Power means well, their reigniting flames and showing positive flair.

But, we all should remind ourselves of these words:

“The struggle I know and understand is that we are looking for a country and first mission should be to recapture the country and then once we reclaim the country and have power over it, then we can choose and leaders and create rules how to choose leaders” (Dr. Kizza Besigye, 16.10.2019).

Because, right now Museveni decides and makes the changes. No one else does, except if they are his straw-men like Raphael Magyezi. There been others who carried the load of the President, but later are lost sheep without any office. That might happen to him, because he was useful to him that given year.

Museveni right now has all the cards, which he has kept close since 1986. That is why the struggle is the same. Just listen. Peace.

Another day, another bail hearing for Besigye’s Treason Charges: By the next trial date lasting a total of 1208 Days!

On the 13^th May 2016 at Moroto Magistrate’s Court the judge charged Dr. Kizza Besigye with treason for declaring himself President after the General Election of 2016. Which have now been prolonged for the longest. The National Resistance Movement, the Police Force and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) have insisted to continue the case.

This is really showing the enforcement and how the state is monitoring the opposition leader. They are using this case to monitor the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leader and always have an excuse to know where he is.

Just take a look:

“Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court has again issued criminal summons for former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president, Dr Kiiza Besigye, to face charges of treason” (…) “The magistrate issued criminal summons against Besigye and adjourned the case to September 2, 2019, for mention. The prosecution alleges that Besigye between February 18 and May 11, planned to forcefully ascend to the Office of the President when he declared himself the elected president of Uganda” (Michael Odeng – ‘Court issues criminal summons against Besigye again’ 10.07.2019, New Vision).

Why is this amazing, because of the 13^th May 2016 is far, far away. The case will be by that time over 3 years old, 3 months and 21 days or about 1208 days in total. Some would say this case has been lasting 39 months and 21 days. If this continues like this, the treason charge and case will last into 2020 like a sore thumb.

This just shows the mediocre ways of the NRM and their authorities. They just have to prolong this, because they got to. They still fear Besigye and what he represents. This is why they will make it clock into 2020 and even 2021. They have already surpassed 3 years and 3 months by September 2019, which is a feat in itself. Peace.

The Charge document:

Uganda Police Force: Clarification on allegations made by Bweranaho Charles against the Flying Squad (09.05.2018)

Uganda Police Force Press Release: Riots in Yumbe District (28.03.2018)

UPF want clarify about the closure of Nalufenya (23.03.2018)

Minister Jeje Odongo’s MPS on the NCIC is revealing!

Minister of Interior Jeje Odongo own Ministerial Policy Statement of 15^th March 2018 are very standard sort of document, but certain statements from there is telling. Especially on the Vote 120 on National Citizenship and Immigration Control, what it is, is apparently, reasons for why it need to be addressed, because it is a real lack transparency and not taking care of the Republic.

The NCIC is compromised of: “Deployed 300 Immigration Officers and Immigration Assistants at the borders and regional offices. This recruitment and deployment has improved border control and post entry management of aliens. This has improved representation of the ethnic groups of Ugandan and staff gender ratios” (…) “Insufficient funds to undertake constructions: Immigration offices are in very small single room measuring less than 8ftX8ft which accommodates more than 5 immigration staff. Furthermore, the Headquarters is housed in what was formerly a warehouse with some services provided under tents. Limited Staff accommodation. Some borders operate in wee hours which necessitates presence of accommodation for staff. This limits space for offices, e-services and board meetings. The Directorate requires UGX25.8bn for constructions. Porous Borders: Uganda has 52 gazetted border points along 2729 km borderline operationalized through the cluster approach. This leaves part of the borderline unmanned which compromise security and revenue generation. The Directorate requires extra UGX1.9bn for border operations” (MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS – MINISTERIAL POLICY STATEMENT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2017/2018, P: 62, 71, 2018).

It really is showing that something is lacking when you have 52 borders and staffed three hundred officers. That means that each border post would have about average 5 officers. Just think about that, when the border needs to be open 24/7 and there would be more on certain border-posts, also at Entebbe Airport as well. Since lots of the ones entering Uganda come by planes, not only by foot. Therefore, the NCIC is underfunded, but also understaffed.

The 300 officers are not only keeping track of the foreign workers, visitors of the Republic, but also issuing passports. Therefore, the NCIC is even more important to be staffed, because of the need of control of the borders. The republic cannot have open borders and have control of the revenue and neither also population control. It is seemingly bad planning and at random. But the porous borders and the gazetted borders should have officers. Since they are issuing in the last year over 65,000 passports last year. The Officers are really busy doing and not only looking into the ones moving across the borders.

If this body is supposed to control the migration, register and secure that no-one overstays their welcome. They need bigger funding, more officers and more training. Since that must be lacking, when the borders are seen as porous. Peace.