Dear Gen. Saleh, an apology to Dr Besigye and the country will suffice

What the report says

The Observer published an opinion piece arguing that Gen. Salim Saleh should make a public apology over the detention of opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye and his associate Haji Obeid Lutale. The author refers to recent reports in The New Vision about negotiations to secure their release, and says the public has been left without clear answers about who is being consulted and on what terms.

The article says the case against Besigye has collapsed politically and legally, pointing to reporting around the handling of alleged evidence, the move from military to civilian court, and what it describes as weak or inconsistent state claims. It also questions the credibility of the intelligence services, citing earlier allegations of fabricated intelligence and saying the government cannot convincingly sustain its position. Several individuals are mentioned in the discussion, including Winnie Byanyima, Andrew Mwenda, and officials linked to the security services.

The piece argues that if the state acted on flawed intelligence, a direct apology would be more appropriate than a quiet release framed as the result of negotiations. It says such an admission, followed by the men’s release and medical care if needed, would be a more honest step toward reconciliation. As presented by The Observer, the column reflects broader public concern about transparency, due process and the handling of a prominent political case in Uganda.