- Kizza Besigye, Ugandan opposition leader, is arrested and held in Uganda’s military jail after being allegedly abducted in Kenya.
- He faces charges of illegal firearms possession and negotiating to buy arms abroad, which he denies.
- His wife, Winnie Byanyima, demands his release and transparency on his arrest.
Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition figure, has been detained in Uganda’s military custody following his alleged abduction in Kenya.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, publicly stated that he was seized during a book launch in Nairobi and is now being held in a military prison in Kampala.
Kizza Besigye’s Arrest in Uganda Raises Tensions After Alleged Kidnapping from Kenya
Besigye is facing charges including illegal possession of firearms and attempting to procure arms internationally, charges he vehemently denies. He appeared in a military court, where he questioned the jurisdiction of the court to try him and insisted on being tried in a civilian court.
The Ugandan government has not directly addressed the abduction claims, but the information minister hinted that any international arrest would be a joint operation between countries.
Kenyan officials, however, have denied any involvement in Besigye’s alleged kidnapping, stating that they were not informed of his presence in the country or his detainment. This development has raised concerns among human rights organizations in both countries, fearing further suppression of political dissent and abuse of opposition figures.
Besigye has faced multiple arrests in the past and is known for his outspoken criticism of Museveni’s government. Over the years, he has alleged electoral fraud and authoritarianism under Museveni’s rule, claims which have led to frequent clashes with Ugandan authorities.
His arrest has highlighted the ongoing repression of political opposition in Uganda, where critics claim the government uses extrajudicial measures to silence dissent.
The arrest of Besigye, coupled with the alleged abduction and his trial in a military court, underscores the tense relationship between the Ugandan government and its opposition.
His supporters and human rights advocates have expressed concern over the erosion of political freedoms and the use of security forces to quash dissent. Calls for Besigye’s release continue to grow, with demands for greater transparency regarding his treatment and legal proceedings.
The detention of Kizza Besigye has ignited a wave of concern over political repression in Uganda and the region. His alleged kidnapping in Kenya and subsequent military trial highlight the ongoing struggles for opposition figures in East Africa, with calls for international attention and justice.
“The manner and circumstances surrounding his arrest are really disturbing to us… [it] is shrouded in mystery.” — Erias Lukwago, Besigye’s ally
