Ugandan Opposition Leader Besigye Allegedly Kidnapped, Detained Amidst Rising Political Tensions
November 20, 2024Besigye has been ordered to remain in custody at Luzira Prison in Kampala until December 2, 2024, alongside fellow opposition member Hajj Lutale Kamulegeya.
Winnie Byanyima, wife of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, announced that he was allegedly kidnapped in Kenya and is currently detained in a Ugandan military prison.
Erias Lukwago, Besigye's lawyer and Kampala mayor, raised serious concerns about the legality of his arrest in Kenya, labeling it a violation of sovereignty.
Human rights organizations have condemned Museveni's government for its treatment of opposition figures, highlighting the ongoing repression.
This incident follows a pattern of hostility, as seen in July 2024 when Kenyan authorities detained and deported 36 members of Besigye's Forum for Democratic Change party to Uganda.
Authorities have accused Besigye of inciting violence and possessing an illegal firearm, charges he vehemently denies.
The Ugandan government has remained silent on Besigye's situation, while Kenya's foreign affairs permanent secretary denied any involvement in the incident.
He faces multiple charges, including illegal possession of firearms allegedly obtained in Nairobi, and has denied seeking foreign military support to destabilize Uganda.
Overall, the situation underscores the escalating tensions between the Ugandan government and opposition figures under Museveni's rule.
Besigye, a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has faced numerous arrests and has previously claimed that elections were rigged.
Supporters and family members gathered at Makindye barracks in Kampala, expressing distress over Besigye's situation ahead of his court appearance.
In court, Besigye rejected government-appointed legal representation, insisting he should be tried in a civilian court as he is not a member of the armed forces.
Summary based on 11 sources
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Sources
BBC News • Nov 20, 2024
Uganda opposition figure Kizza Besigye kidnapped - says wifeYahoo News • Nov 20, 2024
Wife of Ugandan opposition figure Besigye says he was kidnapped and is being held in a military jailCNN • Nov 20, 2024
Ugandan opposition politician kidnapped in Kenya, his wife says | CNN