Politics 25 September 2026 Nile Post
Lawyer Nsibambi Urges Besigye's Team to Explore Negotiation with the State
Former MP Yusuf Nsibambi has advised Dr. Kizza Besigye's legal team to consider dialogue with the State as a viable option to resolve the opposition leader's ongoing legal challenges. Nsibambi suggests that while contesting charges is a right, negotiation might offer a more practical path in Besigye's complex situation. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/373707/yusuf-nsibambi-advises-besigye-lawyers-to-negotiate-with-state-over-release
Former Mawokota South Member of Parliament and legal practitioner, Yusuf Nsibambi, has put forward a strategic suggestion for Dr. Kizza Besigye’s legal defense: engage in dialogue with the State.
Besigye has been in custody since his arrest in Nairobi in November 2024, subsequently facing charges including treason and unlawful firearms possession. His legal battles have been marked by disputes over representation and the jurisdiction of military courts for civilian trials.
Appearing on NBS Frontline, Nsibambi emphasized that lawyers should present all possible options to their clients. He stated that besides contesting charges, exploring negotiation could be a pragmatic approach, especially in protracted and difficult cases.
Nsibambi revealed that he had previously discussed this alternative strategy with members of Besigye’s legal team, expressing concerns about their current approach. He questioned the continuous reliance on objections and applications, arguing that these tactics have prolonged Besigye’s suffering while the legal process grinds on.
Drawing an analogy to the medical profession, Nsibambi suggested that legal counsel, like doctors, should prioritize finding relief for their clients. He felt that Besigye’s case had been bogged down by procedural arguments without offering a clear resolution.
He also cautioned lawyers against overstepping their authority or appearing to be responsible for judicial decisions, advising them to recuse themselves if necessary.
While Besigye’s lawyers have pursued various legal challenges, including constitutional petitions, Nsibambi believes that considering the State’s power and exploring a path of negotiation might be a more effective way to navigate the situation and protect their client’s interests.
“So you must sit down and say, now, how can we maneuver through this without compromise?” Nsibambi remarked, affirming that negotiation could indeed be a way forward. “Definitely,” he concluded when asked if dialogue could help resolve the crisis. “Yes, you talk.”
This advice comes amidst ongoing concerns about Besigye’s health, which has further complicated the court proceedings.