Ugandan Opposition Politicians Unite Against Abduction and Military Trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye

In a show of solidarity, Ugandan opposition politicians from various parties gathered at Parliament on December 9, 2024, to condemn the abduction and military trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obed Kamulegeya.

The joint press briefing was attended by notable opposition leaders, including Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Mugisha Muntu and Winnie Kiiza of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Erias Lukwago and Nyanjura Doreen of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)/People’s Front for Transition (PFF), and Hon. Ken Lukyamuzi of the Conservative Party (CP), among others.

The opposition leaders emphasized that if Dr. Besigye and Hajji Kamulegeya have any offenses, they should be tried in civilian courts, not military courts. This stance is in line with the Ugandan Constitutional Court’s 2021 ruling, which declared the practice of trying civilians in military courts unconstitutional.

Dr. Besigye, a prominent opposition figure and former presidential candidate, was abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024. He was later produced in a Ugandan military court, where he was charged with security-related offenses and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

The opposition leaders’ joint statement highlights the growing concern over the Ugandan government’s increasing use of military courts to silence opposition voices. This trend has been widely condemned by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International.

The Ugandan government’s actions have sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Dr. Besigye’s immediate release and a fair trial in a civilian court. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, awaiting the Ugandan government’s next move.