The president of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Jimmy Akena has backed the four-time presidential candidate, Rtd Col Dr Kizza Besigye on the move to resort to a hunger strike, saying it is the only option he was left with.
Akena urged Ugandans to use this opportunity to examine the continued interference of security organs into the political affairs of Uganda.
“Personally I feel that the option that is available and the option that has been taken up by Dr. Kizza Besigye is a real option for any of us, who may find ourselves incarnated for whatever reason. It would make sense that you use whatever tool that is available. On that basis, I agree with the actions he has taken, it can be any of us, today it might be Besigye, tomorrow it might be Akena facing the same situation,” said Akena.
On Tuesday, President Museveni castigated Besigye for having resorted to a hunger strike instead of asking for a quick trial, that is if he presumes to be innocent.
Museveni said going on hunger strike, Besigye is merely seeking for sympathy. He however said the only option government can have for Besigye is simply a quick trial but not bail as his legal team has of late been pushing.
On Sunday evening, Besigye was sneaked into into a private medical clinic at Bugoloobi by the prisons officer on allegations that his health condition had worsened.