Envoys advise Besigye to seek court redress, avoid "strong" language

Left to right: British High Commissioner Alison Blackburne, French Ambassador Sophie Makame, Ireland Ambassador Donal Cronin, Dr Kizza Besigye and the European Union head of delegation in Uganda Ambassador Kristian Schmidt chat after a meeting with Dr Besigye at his home in Kasangati on Friday. 

Foreign diplomats accredited to Uganda have called upon Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flag bearer in the recently concluded elections, Dr Kizza Besigye to restrain from using language that stokes tension and violence in the country.

Speaking after a meeting with Mr Besigye and FDC president Gen Mugisha Muntu Friday, the European Union head of mission in Uganda Mr Kristian Schmidt noted that the discussion was basically on three points; Dr Besigye’s continued incarceration, both at his home and in different police stations, possible court action to challenge the outcome of the February 18th general elections and use of language that can lead to violence.

“We have appealed to Dr Besigye as we have made the point to all political actors in Uganda in the last weeks to refrain from using any language that incites violence and to engage in dialogue and if there are any electoral disputes, to resolve all those by legal means,” Mr Kristian said.

The envoy also advised the government against keeping Besigye hostage at his home, saying it is illegal and violates his rights.
“We call on the Ugandan authorities to respect the rights of the opposition and the fundamental freedoms must be respected. We consider the repeated arrest and custody of Dr Besigye a violation of his basic freedoms and human rights,” Mr Kristian added.

Mr Besigye has been held at his home since Friday last week. Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura justified police presence at the former FDC president’s home, saying it is to monitor his movements and activities as his (Besigye’s) earlier public utterances could cause a spillover effect.

The General accuses Mr Besigye of issuing statements that allegedly incite violence.

““….on 21st February, 2016 Rtd Col Dr. Kiiza Besigye released two statements and addressed the press at his Kasangati home. The first statement was to the youths, inciting them and calling on them to ‘take over their country,” Gen Kayihura said in a statement.