The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Ugandans and Kenyans have united in calling for the release of Uganda’s opposition leader, Kizza Besigye.
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Besigye, 68, has been in police custody since an alleged abduction in Nairobi in November 2024. He faces charges in a military court for possessing pistols and attempting to buy weapons abroad, which he has denied.
Currently on a hunger strike, Besigye is demanding his release. A spokesperson from his political group, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), told the BBC, “We believe he is protesting because he should not still be in prison—he should be home.”
His trial was initially delayed until January, but it’s now uncertain when it will take place.
On Sunday, Besigye was urgently taken to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall in critical condition.
Ugandans and Kenyans have rallied together on X (formerly Twitter) to demand his freedom, with the hashtag “Free Besigye” trending. The posts include images of a frail Besigye.
One user commented that his continued detention is a “serious violation of the rule of law, judicial independence, and basic human rights,” especially after the Supreme Court ruled that civilians should not be tried in military courts.
Another user noted, “Driving to work today, I couldn’t help but notice the significant military presence in the city, especially near Makerere University. The regime is afraid of an uprising; Besigye is the catalyst for our own Arab Spring.”
Other tweets echoed the call for Besigye’s release and the release of other political prisoners, urging professionals to join the effort.
One tweet read, “As much as we have human rights organizations to monitor these rights, AU, EAC, COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS, and the UN should condemn Uganda’s actions. Kizza Besigye should be freed immediately.”
A tweet also praised Besigye’s character: “Kizza Besigye is a humble leader if you ever talk to him. He advocates for democracy, good governance, and human rights. Political rivalry is not enmity. Free Kizza Besigye.”
Winnie Byanyima’s family revealed that they received an unexpected request to send Besigye’s personal doctor to visit him in detention. Edith Byanyima expressed concern over the change, especially since authorities had previously denied Besigye access to his own doctor. “We fear that this sudden change signals a worsening of his condition,” she said, adding, “We must speak out now because we fear the worst may be imminent.”
