EDITOR
The Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, has urged opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye to end his hunger strike, stating that the government is working to transfer his case from the General Court Martial to a civilian court.
Baryomunsi made the remarks after visiting Besigye at Luzira Prison, where he is currently detained, in the presence of Besigye’s personal doctors.
While he did not provide a timeline for the case transfer, his statement suggests that discussions are ongoing.
Opposition groups and human rights organizations have been calling for Besigye’s release, arguing that his trial before a military court is unlawful.
The four-time presidential candidate, who has been on remand for nearly three months despite a Supreme Court ruling ordering his release, appeared weak in court and struggled to breathe, prompting concern from his allies.
Besigye was arrested on November 16, 2024, and charged with treason before the military court. Although the Supreme Court ruled last month that civilians cannot be tried in military courts and ordered his release, he remains in detention at Luzira Prison, raising concerns about judicial independence and the government’s adherence to court rulings.
Uganda Prisons has denied reports that Besigye is on a hunger strike, insisting that he is in good health and receiving proper care. However, his allies strongly dispute this, citing his frail condition in court.
Political analyst and journalist Yusuf Sserunkuma has warned that Besigye’s continued detention could have serious consequences.
