The Kabale District Vice Chairperson for the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Gideon Tumwesigye, has announced that he will not return to church until incarcerated four-time presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye is released.
However, Tumwesigye, clarified in a statement that he will remain faithful to God.
“I have been betrayed by my church. Most bishops, pastors, and sheikhs are silent—why? I will return to church after Dr. Kizza Besigye is set free, but I will remain faithful to God, my creator,” Tumwesigye declared.
He argued that during Idi Amin’s regime, religious leaders such as the late Archbishop Janan Luwum, Bishop Festo Kivengere (RIP), and Bishop Emeritus Barnabas R. Halem’Imana (RIP) did not remain silent in the face of injustice.
Tumwesigye says ecumenism was strong then, unlike today, where sectarianism is spreading rapidly, like water hyacinth on Lake Victoria.
“Why are we not recognizing that we are under hypocritical leadership? Religious leaders, why do you dine and associate with the Chewezi while preaching about God? What is your stance on this ongoing injustice?” he questioned.
Dr. Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, were on Wednesday returned to Luzira Maximum Security Prison under tight security following the hearing of their habeas corpus application at the High Court in Kampala.
The hearing, presided over by Justice Douglas Singiza, was based on an application filed by Besigye’s legal team on February 5, demanding an explanation from the Attorney General and the Commissioner General of Prisons regarding their continued detention.
During the proceedings, Justice Singiza expressed concerns about Besigye’s reported illness, stating that he could not preside over the case while a sick person was present.
“This is an administrative order. If a prisoner is sick, I cannot continue with the hearing. He might faint,” Justice Singiza remarked.
Citing this, he ordered that Besigye and Lutale be taken back to prison instead of remaining in court.
Meanwhile, state attorneys defended the continued detention of Besigye and Lutale, arguing that they remain in lawful custody since their case has been transferred to civilian courts. The prosecution further stated that the Supreme Court’s ruling on January 31, which declared the trial of civilians in military courts illegal, did not explicitly order their release.
The State’s position directly challenges the defense’s argument that the two opposition figures are being held illegally. Besigye’s lawyers insist that since the Supreme Court outlawed the military trial of civilians, their continued incarceration amounts to illegal detention.
Following the court proceedings, heavily armed security personnel swiftly escorted Besigye and Lutale back to prison, denying them any opportunity to speak to the press or their supporters.
The High Court is expected to deliver its ruling on the habeas corpus application in the coming days.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount from human rights groups, opposition politicians, and religious leaders demanding Besigye’s immediate release and adherence to the rule of law.
