A team of religious leaders under the Justice and Peace Network (JuPeNet) have today (3rd July, 2016) visited Dr Kizza Besiyge, Uganda’s frequently arrested opposition leader at Luzira Prison.
Among the clerics that visited were Father Gaetano Batanyenda, Bishop David Zac Niringiye, Father Syprian Masembe and sheik Kisambo.
The clerics prayed for him upon arrival and report that he is “resolved and committed to continuing fighting for justice.”
Father Gaetano Batanyenda warned that leaders who are abusing the rights of others could face a mass uprising.
“If those people don’t listen, we will go down to the people and let them know there are people somewhere who have stolen something from you and are keeping it, they do not want to bring it to you. Please rise up,” he said, speaking to journalists
Batanyenda says that although Ugandans are aware of their inherent rights, they are timid to speak against those who wheel on the levers of power.
Kizza Besiyge appeared in court recently on treason charges after he allegedly took part in an illegal presidential swearing-in ceremony which was filmed and circulated online.
He was charged with two counts of treason, one in relation to machetes found at his party’s headquarters and another over the mocked-up swearing-in video.
Clerics further report that Dr Besigye has welcomed the push for dialogue grounded in pursuit of truth telling and justice which is one of the focal points of the network.
Last week, Besigye contested delays by the state to commence the trial which he says is an abuse of his fundamental right.
editor@ugchristiannews.com
