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Dr Kizza Besigye was last week picked up from Kenya under controversial circumstances and charged before the military court in Kampala
Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda has dangled a presidential pardon to former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Kizza Besigye, but says only if his case follows the due legal process.
Mr Kirunda’s remarks come in the wake of Besigye’s controversial arraignment before the General Court Martial, alongside his associate Obeid Lutale, on charges of illegal possession of firearms and endangering the security of the defence forces.
In a statement posted on his X account, Mr Kirunda advised Besigye’s legal team and supporters to focus on securing bail during his next court appearance on December 2, as provided for under the Constitution.
“The legal jurisdiction of the Court Martial is functional and authorized to try various suspects. Politicising it will not alleviate his burden at this time,” he said.
He emphasized that any consideration for a presidential pardon would be contingent on adherence to established procedures.
“There are precedents of other individuals who have benefited, but such pardons are granted strictly through formal channels,” Kirunda noted.
The decision to try Besigye and Lutale before the General Court Martial has attracted widespread criticism from lawyers, human rights defenders, and opposition politicians, who argue that the military court lacks jurisdiction over civilians.
Erias Lukwago, Besigye’s lawyer, has vowed to challenge the charges, maintaining that the retired colonel and his co-accused have no case to answer.
Human rights advocates have also expressed concern over what they term the misuse of military courts to target political dissidents.
However, Kirunda dismissed these assertions, reiterating that the court has a clear mandate to adjudicate cases of this nature.
In a show of solidarity, Besigye’s legal defense team has been bolstered by 50 advocates, including former Kenyan Justice minister Martha Karua.
The team aims to challenge both the charges and the jurisdiction of the court while securing bail for the opposition stalwart.
Dr Besigye will reappear in court on December 2. The session will focus on his bail application and whether he and Lutale have a case to answer.
