"Ugandans Shouldn’t Fear Anything, It's high Time That The Gov't Feel Their Pain & Act" Says Gen Otafiire As He Demands Besigye Be Freed

Major General Kahinda Otafiire, Uganda’s Minister of Internal Affairs, has urged the government to always listen to the voice of the people and act on their grievances. Speaking at the inaugural Sam Kalega Njuba memorial lecture at Uganda Law Society headquarters in Kampala, he emphasized that Ugandans should not allow themselves to suffer in silence.

“Do not die in the sin of silence,” Otafiire said. “Subject the governed to the law, guide them when they are wrong, but when you see them crying, do not suppress them. Keep them in order, but understand their pain.” He stressed that leaders must be responsive to the people’s cries rather than ignoring or suppressing them.

Otafiire used the occasion to call for the immediate release of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, underlining that the government should respect the rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation. “Ugandans should not fear anything. It’s high time that the government feels their pain and acts,” he said.

Reflecting on Uganda’s past, Otafiire recalled experiences from the regimes of Obote I and Idi Amin. He warned that some of the same mistakes that led to past conflicts are beginning to reappear, even under the current leadership. This, he said, should serve as a wake-up call to all leaders.

He also criticized the radicalization seen within parts of the Uganda Law Society, saying it signals that certain aspects of governance are not moving in the right direction. “Our past has started catching up with us. What matters is what we leave behind,” he noted. Otafiire urged leaders to focus on leaving a positive legacy rather than engaging in endless political battles.

Otafiire further encouraged the opposition to advise the government whenever it goes astray rather than resorting to confrontations that often leave both parties with bruises. “A car cannot overturn before getting off track. When you see us getting off track, bring us back to the road, don’t fight us,” he said.

He also highlighted the dangers of internal conflicts, warning that foreign powers often benefit from unrest through the sale of weapons and equipment. According to Otafiire, it is in Uganda’s interest to maintain peace and stability to protect the country from external exploitation.

Addressing issues of arrests and missing individuals, Otafiire advised that anyone arrested should be brought before the courts within the legally prescribed timeframe. This, he said, would reduce tension among relatives and the public, and restore confidence in the justice system.

In response, Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka stressed that citizens should cooperate with the government to prevent a return to past mistakes. He noted the importance of transparency and accountability, adding that the government should always respond to concerns regarding missing persons in a timely manner.

Otafiire’s message was clear: the government must listen to the people, act responsibly, and respect human rights. He called on all Ugandans to speak out against injustice and for leaders to govern with empathy and integrity. The lecture served as a reminder that peace and progress depend on leaders understanding and responding to the people they serve.

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