Veteran opposition politician Col. Kizza Besigye has reportedly declined to meet with President Yoweri Museveni at State House, despite efforts by intermediaries to facilitate a meeting.
According to sources, Bishop Onesimus Asiimwe, Gen. Tumukunde, and elders from Rukungiri have visited Besigye in Luzira Prison, where he is being held on treason charges, in an attempt to persuade him to seek forgiveness from the President.
Besigye, known for his strong stance against the government, has allegedly refused to meet with Museveni, maintaining his innocence and refusing to plead for forgiveness.
Sources close to Besigye say he believes he has done nothing wrong and therefore sees no reason to apologize.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde has warned President Museveni that if Besigye is not released from prison before the 2026 elections, Museveni should not expect to garner votes in Rukungiri, Besigye’s home district.
Sources within State House claim that President Museveni is willing to forgive Besigye if he acknowledges his mistakes and asks for forgiveness.
However, the President’s willingness to pardon Besigye comes after Besigye was accused of plotting to overthrow the government, an allegation that led to increased security measures for the President.
The tension between Besigye and Museveni dates back to their disagreements in the 1990s, when Besigye opposed Museveni’s policies and actions within the National Resistance Army (NRA).
Their relationship further deteriorated over the years, with Besigye becoming a prominent opposition leader and Museveni’s four-time presidential challenger.
President Museveni urged Ugandans to focus on the need for a swift trial to address the charges against Besigye, rather than speculating about his arrest.
Museveni emphasized that a speedy trial would bring the facts to light and warned that promoting insecurity through unfounded claims could endanger the country.
Despite Museveni’s overtures, Besigye remains defiant, having previously stated that Museveni must be removed from power “forcefully” if Uganda is to be saved from further decadence.
Besigye’s determination to challenge Museveni’s authority has been met with a strong response from the government, which has accused him of plotting to overthrow the government.
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