A 56-member nation group, the Commonwealth, and human rights activists have called on Uganda to release opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, saying his detention undermines democracy and human rights.
Civil rights organizations have announced plans to stage demonstrations at Kenya’s Parliament buildings and the Ugandan embassy to demand the immediate release of Besigye and other political prisoners.
Speaking in Nairobi, activists from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania condemned the alleged abduction and rendition of Besigye and his ally, Hajj Obeid Lutale, labelling it a blatant violation of international human rights laws and extradition treaties.
“Despite the Supreme Court decision and legal applications for the release of Kizza Besigye and others, Ugandan authorities have disregarded court orders and continue to arbitrarily deprive them of their liberty,” Regional Researcher Roland Ebole said.
Hussein Khalid added, “We call for the immediate release of Kizza Besigye and others.”
Dr. Besigye’s health has deteriorated rapidly due to a hunger strike protesting his detention. His family has expressed deep concern over his condition, describing him as weak and dizzy.
On Monday, he was transferred to a medical facility in Kampala after experiencing severe weakness and difficulty breathing.
“We are worried. We fear that the sudden change signals a severe decline in his condition,” said his sister-in-law Edith Byanyima.
An advocate at Uganda Law Society, Andrew Karamagi, said, “Dr. Besigye’s health is in serious jeopardy.”
In response to his continued incarceration, civil rights groups have threatened to stage mass protests, including occupying Kenya’s Parliament and the Ugandan embassy, to demand the release of all political prisoners.
“We are calling for health workers in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda to condemn this act of Besigye being denied health care. He is a doctor himself, and we are joining other professions in demonstrations,” KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Atellah said.
“I want to implore the citizens of East African countries to unite against such abductions,” added activist Maria Tsehai Sarungi.
The Commonwealth, through its Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, has also urged Ugandan authorities to free Besigye immediately and ensure he receives the highest standard of medical care.
The 56-nation organization expressed deep concern over the prolonged detention of Dr. Besigye, Hajj Obeid Lutale, and lawyer Eron Kiza, arguing that it undermines the Ugandan Supreme Court’s ruling of January 31, 2025.
Meanwhile, in a lengthy statement on X, Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, dismissed the public outcry, criticizing Ugandans for focusing on Besigye’s detention, which he termed a “non-issue.”
