By Our Reporter
Even behind the high walls of Luzira Upper Prison, Dr. Kizza Besigye continues to project a message of resilience and spiritual strength. In a handwritten Easter message dated April 17, the veteran opposition figure turned his incarceration into a platform for reflection—blending scripture, political defiance, and hope for the nation.
Besigye, who has now spent over five months in custody, extended heartfelt Easter greetings to Ugandans, thanking supporters for their unwavering moral, material, and spiritual encouragement. “As we celebrate Easter, we are at peace, in spite of the imprisonment, by the Grace of the Lord,” he wrote.
His note is far more than a seasonal message; it reads as a meditation on faith and endurance during a time of personal and national trial. Referencing 2 Timothy 4:3–4, Besigye invoked Apostle Paul’s warning about the rise of comforting falsehoods over truth—a pointed commentary on Uganda’s political landscape.
“Reflecting on the current times during the Easter season has been poignant,” Besigye noted. “Prison, despite its intended punishment, offers space for meditation, learning, and spiritual renewal.”
This deeply personal tone contrasts sharply with the legal cloud surrounding him. Alongside his political aide, Obeid Lutale, and UPDF officer Captain Denis Oola, Besigye faces treason charges of what a judge described as “the gravest offense in the history of Ugandan laws.” Despite meeting bail conditions, the group was denied release on grounds they could interfere with ongoing investigations.
The state accuses them of conspiring in cities such as Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala to mobilize support for an alleged plot to overthrow the government. All three remain on remand until April 30, as investigations proceed.
This Easter marks the third consecutive festive season that Besigye has spent behind bars. From Christmas 2024 to now, his legal battles have escalated from treachery to full-blown treason and misprision of treason. His detention evokes memories of 2005, when he was arrested after returning from exile to launch his presidential campaign, triggering international headlines and nationwide protests.
Erias Lukwago, one of his lead lawyers, described the current situation as “distressing,” especially given Besigye’s long-standing service as a statesman, former presidential candidate, and former personal physician to President Museveni.
“We at the Katonga Liberation Command Centre and all peace-loving Ugandans do miss his visionary leadership, wise counsel, and guidance,” Lukwago said.
Besigye’s message from Luzira is not just a spiritual note; it is a subtle declaration of political persistence. At a time when his physical freedom is curtailed, he continues to wield influence, urging Ugandans to remain rooted in truth and guided by faith—even in uncertain times.
