Besigye will not apply for bail - family confirms

Col Dr Kizza Besigye is steadfast in his decision to reject bail, even if it means staying behind bars indefinitely.

Winnie Byanyima, Besigye's wife told reporters at their Kasangati residence that the former would not legitimise the Makindye-based General Court Martial of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) by seeking bail.

She said her husband’s resistance to the military tribunal stems from his belief that such cases should be handled in civilian courts.

According to Byanyima, Besigye remains unyielding despite the harsh realities of imprisonment.

"He says he won’t be applying for bail from that military court, even if it will mean remaining in prison for the rest of his life," she told reporters.

Byanyima reiterated that her husband is ready to pay the ultimate price to maintain his principles, a stance she described as unwavering and courageous.

In her statement, Byanyima accused the government of orchestrating what she termed "emotional terror" to break Besigye’s spirit and discourage his political dissent.

She claimed the state is determined to portray Besigye as the "worst criminal ever in Uganda’s history" to alienate him from the public.

Byanyima alleged that this persecution is aimed at emotionally destabilising Besigye and silencing his opposition to President Museveni’s regime.

She further noted that the ongoing court-martial proceedings are part of a calculated strategy to cow her husband into submission.

However, she maintained that Besigye is resolute and will continue to challenge what he considers unjust and excessive measures by the military tribunal.

Byanyima revealed that Besigye’s plight has garnered significant attention from global leaders.

She stated that many have reached out to express their solidarity and sympathies over what they perceive as state persecution.

"Even moments before addressing reporters, I had just heard from a powerful world leader offering sympathies over Besigye's maltreatment by the Ugandan state," she said.

Byanyima added that the world is keenly observing how the Ugandan government is treating Besigye in this latest court-martial episode.

She urged decision-makers to allow justice to prevail in a civilian court to maintain public confidence in the rule of law.