Uganda’s opposition leader, Besigye, faces death penalty

Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader and former personal doctor to President Yoweri Museveni, is facing a death sentence after being charged with treason, illegal possession of a firearm, and threatening national security in a military court.

Besigye’s restarted in November 2024 when he was abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, and taken to a military prison in Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

His detention has been deemed unlawful by the Commonwealth, which has called for his immediate release.

The situation is dire, with reports indicating that Besigye’s health is deteriorating due to a hunger strike he began to protest his detention.

His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has expressed concerns that the Ugandan government might hand down a death sentence.

The National Unity Platform (NUP), headed by Bobi Wine, has strongly condemned Besigye’s detention and the charges against him.

In a statement, Bobi Wine described the charges as “trumped-up” and “ridiculous,” and called for Besigye’s immediate release.

“The regime is trying to silence Dr. Besigye, but they will not succeed, we will continue to fight for democracy and human rights in Uganda, no matter the cost,” NUP said in a statement.

The NUP has also called for nationwide protests to demand Besigye’s release and to condemn the government’s human rights abuses.

The protests have been met with violence from security forces, with reports of tear gas, live bullets, and arbitrary arrests.

Besigye’s detention has also been condemned by international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

“The Ugandan government’s treatment of Dr. Besigye is a clear example of its disregard for human rights and the rule of law,” said a spokesperson for Amnesty International.

A vocal opposition leader, Besigye has run for president against Museveni four times – in 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016 – but lost each time.

Despite the losses, he has continued to advocate for democratic reforms and human rights.

Besigye’s entry into politics began in 1999 when he wrote a document criticizing the government, which led to his arrest and trial.

In recent years, Besigye has faced numerous arrests and detentions, including in 2022 when he was arrested during a protest over rising commodity prices.

He was granted bail but opted to remain in prison, protesting the high bail fees.

The Supreme Court of Uganda has declared that the trial of civilians in military courts is unconstitutional, but the military has announced that it will continue trying Besigye.

The international community has been urged to take action to pressure the Ugandan government to respect human rights and the rule of law.

Born on April 22, 1956, in Rukungiri, Uganda, Besigye studied medicine at Makerere University and later joined the National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1982, where he became a colonel and served as President Yoweri Museveni’s personal physician.

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