Ugandan authorities have adamantly refused to free opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye and continued to oppress him in a court martial
President Museveni chides on Besigye’s deteriorated health status claiming that if his private doctors have failed to treat him properly should seek help from government ones
The newly elected Chairman of the African Union Commission Mahamoud Youssouf Ali has called Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to immediately release Dr Kizza Bisigye over health condition
Besigye who was arrested from Kenya last year over what was termed as an abduction, because it is contrary to set laws and utter total disrespect of Kenyan laws as no one should be arrested while seeking asylum; has been on hunger strike for the last five days, where his condition has worsened blowing international attention
“The deteriorating health and subsequent emergency evacuation of Dr. Kiiza Besigye from Luzira Prison are deeply concerning. His decades long fight for democracy and human rights in Uganda cannot be ignored, and his well being must be safeguarded. I call upon the Ugandan authorities to uphold justice, ensure his full access to medical care, and immediately secure his release. The African Union stands for the protection of fundamental rights no leader, activist, or citizen should suffer persecution for their political beliefs.,” Youssouf stated
Civil Society Groups from across the Africa have all demanded unconditional release of Bisigye citing violations of human rights
In Kenya, KMPDU Secretary General Dr Davji Attellah threatened to initiate all Doctors and medical personnel from East African Countries to paralyze medical services demanding for the release of their colleague
In Tanzania, Activist Maria stated that Uganda should be sanctioned by the international community for the continuous violations of human rights and abductions of activists
Civil Society Groups, Tanzania Activists Maria Sarungi Tsehai, Houghton Irungu of Amnesty International
The groups including Law Society of Kenya, Amnesty International demanded urgent action to prevent any harm to those detained despite a supreme court ruling that declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional
“We call on the Ugandan authorities to respect the apex court decision and immediately free Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid, Lawyer Eron Kizza and others unlawfully detained. We want them to take immediate action to prevent any grievous harm to or loss of life of Kizza Besigye, Haji Lutale and Eron Kizza,” said Roland Ebola, Regional Researcher, Amnesty International
They have further condemned Ugandan authorities for not complying with the ruling which was made on January 31st 2025, ordering all political detainees be transferred to civilians court, raising concerns over their refusal to let them free, citing that as escalating political repression ahead of 2026 General Election
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni Chides African Countries, Activists demanding release of his opponent
Museveni on his hand, while responding to the concerns from the African Countries and the world downplayed their concerning terming them inconsequential
“Why was Dr.Besigye arrested?” The answer to that is a quick trial so that facts come out. Otherwise, you are promoting insecurity which is very dangerous for the country. Nobody in the world can easily give us lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness because that is part of our doctrine right from the 1960s.,” Museveni sought and responded
Museveni claimed matters to do with Besigye who has gone on hunger strike should not be prioritised in his government because there are important issues affecting Ugandans
He termed Besigye as a terrorist who should not be pitied and any calls for his immediate release is same as promoting acts of terrorism in his government
Further, the dictatorial President who has ruled Ugandan people through autocratic, many opposing his oppressive regime, claimed that prison has best hospitals where their detainee can be treated, however his opponent chose private clinics and doctors
“On the issue of sickness, there is, first of all, a Gov’t hospital in the Prison. Besides, Dr. Besigye’s personal doctors have been visiting him and even taking him to private clinics. If there was need for any additional medical care, the Gov’t would be advised,” he stated on his X account on Tuesday 17th February.
“However, in this case, Dr. Besigye, was on hunger strike. That is part of the cause for his weakness that we could see in the pictures that were in the Newspapers. Is that not unprincipled blackmail? How can you be accused of serious crimes and, then, your response is hunger strike to generate sympathy for getting bail, etc.? Why don’t you demand a quick trial? The military court was ready for the trial. Let us wait for the civilian court.,” Underlined Museveni