Ugandan opposition parties to fast for Besigye’s release
The People’s Front for Freedom has said they are dedicating this year’s Lent season, starting on Wednesday, to urge Christians to pray for the release of all political prisoners, including Dr Kizza Besigye.
Speaking at the launch of the National Prayer for Freedom campaign at St James Catholic Church in Kampala yesterday, former Nakawa MP Micheal Kabaziguruka stated that since the Supreme Court banned the trial of civilians by the General Court Martial on January 31, all prisoners convicted by the court, including Dr Besigye, should be released, as the General Court Martial no longer operates.
“We are here to pray for Dr Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners who are now languishing in jail unjustly. Rev Father, as you may all know, on January 31, the Supreme Court ruled in a case I filed that the Court Marshall is unconstitutional. Following that, these people should have been set free, they have not. We are here to join the faithful to pray for them,” he said.
When asked why Dr Besigye and other prisoners remain in detention despite the court ruling, Micheal Kabaziguruka explained that only a week ago, Dr Besigye’s case was transferred to a civilian court.
He cautioned NRM-leaning MPs against supporting efforts to reinstate the General Court Martial, warning that they too could become its victims in the future.
Ms Salamu Musumba, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Vice President in charge of eastern Uganda, who led the delegation comprising Wasswa Birigwa, Buhweju County MP Francis Mwijukye, and other party members, told the congregation that the campaign was being launched as a way to present their grievances to God.
“We come here with a heavy heart because of the things that are happening in our time. We have come to the Lord to present our complaints that we live in a beautiful country with very bad leaders,” she said.
She added: “We want Dr Besigye and all political prisoners and all of you prisoners looking at me because we are all living in a big prison called Uganda, also to come and offer Mass for the 40 days of lent which we shall commit to all the Political Prisoners. Our biggest nightmare is whether Dr Besigye will breathe his last from Luzira Prison.”
Father John Mary Ssenfuka, who presided over the Mass, told the congregation, particularly the politicians, to be men and women of integrity, people who value truth and honesty, and should be ready to be part and parcel of uprightness.
He said Ugandans should stop being like politicians who say something and do another thing, explaining that these days, it is very difficult to extract truths from a politician, and yet as leaders, the words they speak should inspire other people, construct communities, and make a positive difference in people.
BACKGROUND
Opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya in November last year. He was with security-related offences. His detention has sparked debates about judicial independence, particularly after the Supreme Court ruled last month that civilians cannot be tried in military courts—a decision that his supporters say should have led to his release.
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