Besigye questions Red Pepper re-opening, people hit back

Opposition strongman, Dr.Kizza Besigye, has caused a twitter storm after he questioned the manner in which President Museveni has pardoned and ordered for the reopening of the Red Pepper Publications.

Following a meeting with their directors and editors on Tuesday evening, President Museveni pardoned the publication and agreed that its premises should be re-opened for business.

However, twitting about the development, Besigye questioned the manner in which the publication accused of publishing information prejudicial to national security was pardoned.

“Red Pepper to reopen on Mr Museveni’s permission and terms! They can continue defaming and maligning others, especially, those he doesn’t like,”Besigye said in a tweet on Wednesday.

“Crime is committed against State; shouldn’t be pardoned without due process.”

In response, a number of his twitter followers criticised Besigye for the comments pointing out that he has in the past advocated for press freedom.

“U hmmm, but kifefe,u aren't a simple man.When the police arrested the directors and sr editors u criticised govt but very happy,” said one Stephen Mulindwa in response to Besigye.

Magezi Kiriinju, another follower added: “ I mean every aggrieved party has a constitutional obligation to seek for redress including government. We don't have same mechanisms of doing that. Government gives licenses so wields more advantage but even others like you can go to court.”

However, some followers supported Besigye arguing that it is only courts of law to decide Red Pepper’s fate.

“It was actually wrong to give them mercy, as we shall not have punitive measures to deal with bogus media outlets which give the public poisonous information,” said one Emmanuel Mushabe.