Journalist Andrew Mwenda has sparked debate after questioning whether veteran opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye will ever receive a presidential pardon. Mwenda believes Besigye’s firm refusal to admit guilt and ask for forgiveness could make it difficult for him to benefit from the process. According to the journalist, a presidential pardon may require an attitude that Besigye is unlikely to adopt because he continues to maintain that he is innocent.
Mwenda explained that Uganda’s presidential pardon process involves the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy, which advises the President on matters concerning mercy for convicted individuals. Article 121 of the Constitution provides for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy, including pardons. Mwenda argued that Besigye would face a difficult situation if he were expected to admit wrongdoing, express remorse and seek forgiveness before his case could be considered for a pardon.
“For the committee to listen to you, you must admit to the guilt, you must show remorse for what you did and ask for forgiveness. I do not think Besigye can do that. He is too stubborn to do that,” Mwenda said. His remarks suggest that he sees a major obstacle in Besigye’s position on his innocence, making a presidential pardon an unlikely solution in his view.
However, Mwenda has also expressed sympathy for Besigye and indicated that he would welcome an alternative solution that could bring an end to his legal troubles. Rather than allowing the matter to continue through prolonged court battles, Mwenda believes efforts should be made to find a way of securing the opposition figure’s freedom. His position shows that although he doubts Besigye would qualify for a pardon under the circumstances he described, he would still welcome an outcome that allows him to return home.
Meanwhile, reports have pointed to efforts involving General Salim Saleh to explore possible ways of resolving Besigye’s situation. The discussions are reportedly expected to bring together individuals from different political backgrounds, including members of the ruling National Resistance Movement, the People’s Front for Freedom and the Forum for Democratic Change. Religious leaders and senior citizens have also been mentioned as possible participants in efforts to find common ground and ease political tensions.
The proposed initiative has reportedly included the idea of forming a committee of eminent persons to support Saleh’s efforts, alongside an opposition team that would engage with his group. FDC deputy spokesperson Walid Mulindwa has also indicated that Besigye’s release has been discussed by leaders within the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue. Nevertheless, differences remain over the best approach, with some opposition figures reportedly insisting that the matter should be resolved through the courts rather than political negotiations.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has rejected suggestions that her husband has entered negotiations or agreed to a plea bargain. She maintains that he insists on his innocence and has emphasised that the family’s immediate concern is his health. Byanyima has also disclosed that the defence submitted a fifth bail application and called on Justice Emmanuel Baguma to schedule a hearing. Her position underlines the family’s determination to pursue legal avenues while rejecting any suggestion that Besigye has agreed to admit guilt.
Byanyima has further encouraged General Saleh to pursue national dialogue through an open and inclusive process, warning against turning Besigye’s freedom or health into bargaining tools. As the debate continues, Mwenda’s remarks have raised fresh questions about whether a presidential pardon could realistically resolve the veteran opposition leader’s situation. However, no pardon or political agreement has been confirmed in the information provided, and Besigye’s position remains that he is innocent. Whether the ongoing discussions will produce a breakthrough or whether the matter will continue through the courts remains to be seen.
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