A coalition of human rights organizations has intensified calls for the immediate release of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Uganda’s opposition leader, who remains in detention despite a Supreme Court ruling that civilians should not be tried in military courts.
At a press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, February 18th 2025, activists from groups such as Amnesty International, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) strongly condemned Besigye’s detention, calling it a violation of human rights and due process. The groups announced plans for a peaceful protest on February 21st 2025, marching to the Ugandan High Commission and Kenya’s National Assembly to demand his freedom.
Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a representative from Change Tanzania Movement, condemned Uganda’s actions and warned of the growing trend of abductions and renditions in East Africa. “An abduction in Uganda is an abduction in Kenya and Tanzania. We will not relent in our demand for respect for human rights by regional governments,” she stated. She also urged the Kenyan government to take responsibility for security within its borders and end the forced abductions of foreigners.
Besigye’s Health Deteriorates Amid Hunger Strike
Besigye, who has been on hunger strike for nearly a week, was briefly hospitalized on February 17th before being returned to prison. His family and legal team have expressed serious concerns over his health, accusing authorities of denying him proper medical care.
“Besigye’s health is in serious jeopardy. He must be released immediately before it is too late,” said lawyer Andrew Karamagi.
Despite these concerns, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed calls for Besigye’s release, saying, “If you are innocent, demand a quick trial instead of asking for bail and sympathy.”
Planned Demonstrations and Demands
The rights groups have outlined several key demands:
- The immediate release of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Hajj Obeid Lutale, lawyer Eron Kiiza and others unlawfully detained.
- An end to the militarization of justice in Uganda.
- The investigation of transnational abductions in Kenya and prosecution of those responsible.
Roland Ebole, Amnesty International’s regional researcher, emphasized the importance of these demands. “Despite the Supreme Court ruling, Ugandan authorities continue to ignore court orders and deprive Besigye and others of their liberty. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Various activists across the region have vowed to continue putting pressure on the Ugandan and Kenyan governments until their demands are met.
