Ugandan Opposition Leader Besigye Allegedly Kidnapped, Detained Amidst Rising Political Tensions

November 20, 2024
Ugandan Opposition Leader Besigye Allegedly Kidnapped, Detained Amidst Rising Political Tensions
  • Besigye 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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