The former Coordinator of Intelligence Services in Uganda, Gen (Rtd) David Sejusa, has warned opposition leaders against making mistakes while pushing for the release of Col. (Rtd) Kizza Besigye from Luzira Prison, describing it; a strategic political battle for state power.

On Tuesday, 18th February, 2025, Sejusa posted on his X account, emphasizing, “This fight is beyond law, courts, judges, and even rights, highlighting the political stakes underlying Besigye’s situation.”

Sejusa warned the opposition against simplistic approaches, stating, “This fight is about political power; it cannot be won by posting coffins and photos of Besigye.”

He said the issue is more complex as it involves “restructuring the military as an institution of state,” making it “a fundamental fight” that few fully comprehend.

Sejusa criticized the approach of activists using social media campaigns, calling it “ignorance and indiscipline of keyboard warriors.”

He said, “Insults and blackmail don’t win wars; numbers, ideas, and conviction do. Convince people; don’t insult and intimidate. Political struggles are won by building a broad base of support rather than alienating potential allies.”

Sejusa cautioned opposition to separating Besigye’s health from political objectives.

“Don’t tie getting him medical care with overthrowing Museveni’s government. If you do, then I’m afraid you are jeopardizing Besigye’s life,” Sejusa warned.

He advised the group to focus on ensuring Besigye is taken “before a competent court” where he can be granted bail.

Sejusa warned that if the situation is not handled with “cool heads,” it could escalate conflict. “The current standoff is beyond legalities; it’s politics, it’s power,” Sejusa added.

On Monday, 17th February 2025, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the ICT Minister, confirmed visiting Besigye from Luzira and suggested that his health condition wasn’t that worrying.

The controversy surrounding Besigye’s detention continues to unfold, with increasing calls from his family, political allies, and human rights groups for his immediate release on medical grounds.

His statement comes amid growing concerns about continued trial of Besigye in the military court martial despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against trying civilians.

Besigye was charged with illegal possession of a firearm, threatening national security, and treason—a charge that carries the death penalty. He denies all accusations.

The National Unity Platform (NUP) is concerned about the ongoing arrest and detention of its supporters in unknown locations beyond the mandatory 48 hours as stipulated in the law.

This has been raised by the Party’s Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, during a press conference held at the NUP headquarters at Makerere-Kavule, Kawempe Division, as two members of the party’s Elections Management Committee who were allegedly abducted on Tuesday and were released yesterday spoke to the press about their ordeal.

These are; Mercy Walukamba, the Committee’s Chairperson and Rahma Juma, a member of the party’s electoral body.

Rubongoya emphasized that the continued detention of NUP supporters without access to legal representation or communication with their families is a clear violation of their human rights and the constitution of Uganda.

Rubongoya says they are to continue engaging courts in the effort to help their supporters get justice but still urged the Government authorities to revise their thinking and unconditionally release the detainees as soon as possible.

He has accused the authorities of using intimidation and harassment to suppress dissenting voices.

Meanwhile, Walukamba has condemned security forces for abducting and torturing them because of supporting NUP before narrating to journalists what happened during their abduction from Mpigi district on Tuesday.

Political analyst Andrew Mwenda has accused imprisoned opposition stalwart Dr. Kiiza Besigye of conspiring to murder President Museveni.

Mwenda contends that the alleged actions of Besigye should have warranted a death sentence.

Mwenda made the remarks during a heated exchange with Kira Municipality MP, Ssemujju Nganda on NBS Television’s political show, The Frontline, regarding Besigye’s continued detention at Luzira Prison.

Besigye has been incarcerated since November of last year after being picked from Kenya while attending the launch of Martha Karua’s book. He would later be presented before the general court martial in Makindye on charges of treachery and illegal possession of ammunition.

It should be noted that shortly after his arrest, audio clips surfaced on social media, allegedly featuring Besigye discussing activities that “threaten” national security and plans to seize power.

However, these recordings have yet to be presented as evidence in court regarding the accusations against Besigye.

During a discussion on the Frontline, Mwenda emphasized that the evidence in the alleged audio recordings is substantial, accusing Besigye and his supporters, particularly Ssemujju, of downplaying this evidence in their calls for Besigye’s release.

Mwenda asserted that Besigye had conspired to unlawfully take control of the government by assassinating the President.

He stated that if he were in Museveni’s position, he would use the evidence from the audio recordings as justification for executing Besigye.

“Besigye was plotting to murder Museveni. Museveni is a human being. If I were in Museveni’s shoes, I would not even have that man (Besigye) alive because he doesn’t believe in a process. There’s a process of removing government. He doesn’t believe in that process. So he’s subject to the law which he has violated.” Mwenda said.

He questioned why Ssemujju and Besigye were not addressing the nature of Besigye’s alleged plot.

There had been rumours that the alleged audio recordings included a conversation between Besigye and an unidentified British individual regarding weapons.

However, Besigye’s team, including his wife Winnie Byanyima, has since refuted these claims, with others insisting that the audio recordings were manipulated using AI.