Former government spokesperson and current legislator Ofwono Opondo has urged the government to reconsider its handling of opposition leader Col (Rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye’s case, warning that the current approach could damage public confidence in the justice system.
Opondo said the events surrounding Besigye’s collapse in court reflected deep frustration and disappointment rather than simple resistance to court procedures.
According to Opondo, the veteran opposition leader appears to have lost confidence that he will receive a fair trial, something he said should concern the government and all stakeholders involved.
“What we saw when Besigye collapsed in court was the natural flow of things that he is now willing to say, ‘if you want to strangle me in court, do it’,” Opondo said.
He explained that Besigye’s reaction was caused by frustration and a belief that the legal process may not deliver justice to him despite his willingness to participate.
Opondo advised the government to step back and create an environment where Besigye can feel that his rights are being protected throughout the trial.
The comments come after Besigye collapsed during court proceedings as his trial continued at the High Court.
The opposition leader was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital following the incident, where he remains under medical attention.
His collapse immediately attracted concern from his family, political supporters and members of the public who have been following developments surrounding his case.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has continued providing updates on his condition, saying he remains weak and that doctors are still trying to establish what caused his health crisis.
The veteran politician has also raised concerns about his legal representation, arguing that he should be allowed to choose lawyers he trusts to defend him.
His objections followed the arrest of his lead lawyer and the deportation of another member of his legal team, leaving him dissatisfied with the legal arrangements made during the proceedings.
However, Justice Emmanuel Baguma ruled that state-appointed lawyers should continue representing Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obed Lutale.
Despite the court decision, Besigye has maintained his objections, insisting that his right to choose legal representation should be respected.
Opondo, while acknowledging that he has political differences with Besigye, said the opposition leader deserves a fair hearing like any other Ugandan.
“I do not agree with Kizza Besigye, but you can clearly see the overarching hand of powerful people in the state who are saying, ‘Don’t give that man a fair trial,’” Opondo said.
He warned that the government should be careful not to create a situation where people believe that political differences are influencing judicial processes.
The former Uganda Media Centre executive director said the state has previously reached compromises with individuals accused of serious offences, arguing that Besigye should also be handled within the principles of fairness and justice.
Opondo’s remarks have added to growing public debate about the handling of Besigye’s trial and his health condition following his collapse in court.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have requested that the trial continues in Besigye’s absence while he receives medical treatment at Mulago Hospital.
The High Court is expected to make a ruling on the application regarding whether proceedings should continue while Besigye remains hospitalised.
As the legal battle continues, calls for fairness, respect for constitutional rights and proper treatment of the opposition leader continue to dominate discussions across the country.
Opondo maintained that regardless of political differences, every accused person deserves justice and confidence that the legal system will treat them fairly.
