An Open Letter by MP Aspirant Mawa J Collines, to H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Over the Fate of Dr Kizza Besigye.

Written By Maracha East Constituency MP Aspirant Mawa J Collines.

Dear Mr. President,

*Subject: What Ugandans expect in regards to Besigye.* 

I have  read your letter and appreciate you taking the time to provide clarity on this matter. Your leadership has been a defining force in shaping Uganda’s history, and I acknowledge your commitment to stability and national security.

I completely agree with you that no one who commits a crime against the State should be forgiven without due process. The law must apply to all, and those who act against it should be held accountable. 

However, accountability must be accompanied by fairness. If we are to uphold the principles of justice and democracy, then every accused person, regardless of their political standing, should be given the opportunity to defend themselves in a court of law.

Mr. President, as I reflect on what we learned in school about your journey to leadership, I recall how you stood against injustices and illegalities, ultimately leading you to the Bush War. Your actions then were a testament to your belief in the power of resistance against oppression.

What troubles many Ugandans is not just the continued detention of Dr. Besigye but also the very manner of his arrest and abduction, which was illegal and undermines the principles of justice. If indeed he was plotting to overthrow the government, he should have been handled in the same manner as Jamil Mukulu, arrested lawfully, charged properly, and given his day in court. 

Instead, his detention has been marked by irregularities, including the failure or deliberate delay to transfer his case to a civilian court, which is a clear violation of his rights.

It is in protest of this injustice that Dr. Besigye has resorted to a hunger strike; a nonviolent means of expressing dissatisfaction with the failure of the system to accord him a fair trial. This should not be ignored. 

The frustration among law-abiding Ugandans is not necessarily about his arrest but about the manner in which he has been handled; one that seems to contradict the values of justice and humanity that you have always championed.

Even if it were true that he had intentions to cause unrest, does that justify a process that appears to sidestep the rule of law? Our nation has made great strides, and our legal institutions should reflect our collective commitment to fairness. The strength of a government is not in suppressing opposition but in upholding justice for all, without fear or favor.

Mr. President, I believe that ensuring fair and transparent legal proceedings in this matter would not only reinforce public trust but also demonstrate that Uganda remains committed to democratic values. 

The legacy of a leader is not only in maintaining power but in ensuring that future generations inherit a country where justice and fairness prevail.

I respectfully urge you to reconsider this issue, ensuring that the law is applied equitably, and fast, so that we continue to build a Uganda where justice is not selective but universal.

Respectfully,

Collines J Mawa, 

Aspirant Maracha East constituency MP, 2026-31.

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