EDITOR
Renowned opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye is set to appear before the Makindye General Court Martial today, according to Brigadier Felix Kulaigye, spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). This announcement follows days of speculation and concern over Besigye’s whereabouts after his reported abduction from Nairobi, Kenya, last week.
The four-time presidential candidate and prominent government critic was reportedly held at Makindye military barracks in Kampala since Sunday. His detention has sparked widespread outcry, particularly as Besigye is a civilian with no ties to the military.
Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife and a celebrated human rights advocate, has publicly condemned the detention. Taking to social media, Byanyima urged the government to release her husband immediately, highlighting that his arrest and detention in a military facility are both unlawful and concerning.
“I request the government of Uganda to release my husband, Dr. Kizza Besigye, from where he is being held immediately. He was kidnapped last Saturday while in Nairobi for Hon. Martha Karua’s book launch. I am now reliably informed that he is in a military jail in Kampala. We, his family and his lawyers, demand to see him. He is not a soldier. Why is he being held in a military jail?” Byanyima wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Reports indicate that Besigye was last seen in Uganda on Saturday before leaving for Nairobi. Close associates stated that he was attending the launch of Martha Karua’s book when he went missing. Sources reveal he was forcibly returned to Uganda under mysterious circumstances.
His disappearance caused a storm on social media, with friends, family, and political allies expressing concern for his safety. Multiple accounts confirm that Besigye and his travel companion lost contact with their networks shortly after arriving in Nairobi.
As Besigye’s military court appearance approaches, Ugandans and the international community await clarity on the charges against him. Legal experts and human rights organizations have already raised questions about the legality of a civilian being tried in a military court.
The case has reignited debates about political freedoms and the treatment of opposition figures in Uganda. Supporters of Besigye have vowed to intensify their calls for his unconditional release, underscoring that his detention reflects a growing intolerance for dissent.
Meanwhile, the UPDF has not provided a detailed explanation for Besigye’s arrest, with Brig. Kulaigye only urging interested parties to follow today’s proceedings at the Court Martial.
The unfolding situation has drawn national and international attention, as many await justice for one of Uganda’s most vocal champions of democracy.
