NELSON K
Rukungiri FDC supporters have organized a press conference to protest the injustices imposed on Dr. Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners. They also criticized leaders for their negligence in addressing injustice in Uganda.
The press conference, held this evening at the Rukungiri FDC headquarters in Rukungiri Municipality, was led by Innocent Rubarondesa, the FDC Secretary for Information, Mobilization, and Publicity in Rukungiri District.
While addressing journalists and party members, Rubarondesa stated that the conference aimed to express concerns over the increasing injustices faced by Dr. Kizza Besigye and other opposition political leaders, despite the Supreme Court ruling on January 31st regarding the charges against Besigye.
He strongly criticized President Yoweri Museveni, whom he accused of using the military court martial, along with his son, Gen. Muhoozi, to violate the rights and freedoms of innocent civilians. Rubarondesa urged civilians to unite and protest until Dr. Besigye is released.
Tweyambe Robert Darius, the Rukungiri District Landlords’ Chairperson and former prisoner alongside Besigye in 2005, also spoke at the event. He expressed concern over Besigye’s current ordeal, criticizing Members of Parliament and Speaker Anita Among—who was once part of FDC—for their failure to act against injustices in the country.
Darius also warned Gen. Henry Tumukunde against mobilizing civilians from Rukungiri to go and kneel before President Museveni, allegedly seeking Besigye’s release. He insisted that only the courts should have the power to determine justice for Besigye.
Additionally, he issued a stern warning to the Commissioner General of Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, for detaining Besigye without a valid remand warrant. He condemned the use of prisons as safe houses for innocent civilians and accused President Museveni of violating his oath to uphold citizens’ freedoms.
Rev. Elly Kafuku Akankwasa, the Rukungiri FDC Disciplinary and Reconciliation Officer, blamed the president for the widespread injustice in the country, citing biblical teachings that condemn oppressive leadership. He called on religious leaders and all residents to pray for Besigye, believing that a miracle could set him free while he is still alive.
Akankwasa further criticized the current government as dictatorial and dismissed President Museveni’s visit to Rukungiri as meaningless, given his role in suppressing Besigye’s freedom.
Benon Tumusiime, the Buyanja Town Council District Councillor, also called for a renewed struggle to secure Dr. Besigye’s freedom. He accused Rukungiri Members of Parliament of being silent and negligent on the matter, urging them to take immediate action to save Besigye.
Honest Tushemereirwe, the Rukungiri Municipality FDC/PFF Chairperson, concluded the press conference by calling upon women, mothers, business people, and religious leaders to rise and speak out against injustice in Uganda.
