He Is Stubborn, He Doesn't Want To Admit His Mistake & Ask For Forgiveness – Andrew Mwenda On Why Kizza Besigye Will Never Be Pardoned

Journalist Andrew Mwenda has cast doubt on the possibility of Dr Kizza Besigye receiving a presidential pardon, arguing that the opposition leader is unlikely to admit guilt and ask for forgiveness. Mwenda says Besigye’s firm stance on his innocence could make the pardon process difficult, even as efforts continue to find a way to secure his freedom.

Mwenda explained that a presidential pardon in Uganda follows a constitutional process that involves the Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy. Under Article 121 of the Constitution, the President may grant a pardon to a convicted person on the committee’s advice. Mwenda argued that the process would be difficult for Besigye if he refused to accept guilt or express remorse.

“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, explaining why he believes a pardon may not be a realistic route to Besigye’s release.

Despite his criticism, Mwenda said he sympathises with Besigye and would welcome a political solution that allows the veteran opposition figure to return home. He argued that the country should explore alternatives to prolonged legal battles, saying he would prefer an outcome that ends the prosecution and allows Besigye to regain his freedom.

His comments come amid reported efforts involving General Salim Saleh to explore possible ways of securing Besigye’s release. Reports indicate that discussions could involve figures from the ruling National Resistance Movement, the People’s Front for Freedom, the Forum for Democratic Change, religious leaders and senior citizens in an attempt to find common ground.

The proposed initiative has reportedly included the idea of a committee of eminent persons supporting Saleh’s efforts, alongside an opposition team that would engage with his group. FDC deputy spokesperson Walid Mulindwa has also said leaders within the Inter-Party Organisation for Dialogue discussed Besigye’s release. However, some opposition figures reportedly favour resolving the matter through the courts rather than political negotiations.

Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, has meanwhile rejected suggestions that her husband has entered negotiations or a plea bargain. She has maintained that he insists on his innocence and said the family’s immediate concern is his health. Byanyima also disclosed that the defence had submitted a fifth bail application and called on Justice Emmanuel Baguma to schedule a hearing.

Byanyima has encouraged General Saleh to pursue any national dialogue through an open and inclusive process, while warning against using Besigye’s freedom or health as bargaining tools. Her position highlights the difference between exploring a political settlement and asking Besigye to admit guilt, something she says he has not done.

The debate over Besigye’s future therefore continues, with Mwenda questioning whether a presidential pardon is possible while expressing support for another path to freedom. For now, no pardon or political agreement has been confirmed in the information provided, and Besigye’s position remains that he is innocent.