Human rights groups pile pressure on Ugandan gov't over Besigye's unlawful detention

Human rights organisations in Kenya are demanding the immediate release of Uganda's opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, along with Haji Obeid Lutale, Eron Kiiza, and others who have been unlawfully detained.

In a statement, signed by various regional and international human rights bodies, they condemned the Ugandan government's continued defiance of court orders 18 days after the Supreme Court of Uganda ruled that the trial of civilians before military courts in criminal cases is unconstitutional.

"Despite the Supreme Court decision and legal applications for the release of Besigye, Lutale, lawyer Kiiza, and others, Ugandan authorities have disregarded court orders and continue to arbitrarily deprive them of their liberty," read the statement in part.

With recent reports confirming a serious deterioration in Besigye's health after nearly a week on hunger strike, the agencies also called on the Ugandan government to take immediate action to prevent any loss of life.

Furthermore, the organisations have called on the Kenyan government to acknowledge its role in both national and transnational abductions, particularly the forced capture of Besigye and Lutale from Nairobi in November last year.

"We further call on the Kenyan authorities to acknowledge that abductions and renditions have been committed in Kenya, potentially constituting crimes under international law, and should be promptly, thoroughly, impartially, and transparently investigated, with those suspected of responsibility prosecuted," they stated.

The signatories of the joint statement further condemned what they described as the "militarisation of justice" ahead of Uganda's 2026 general elections.

They then invited members of the public to join them in a march against the unlawful detention of the opposition leaders.

"We take this opportunity to invite all to join us in a march to the Uganda High Commission in Nairobi and the National Assembly on February 21 to present a petition for justice for Dr Besigye, Lutale, Eron Kiiza, and others unlawfully detained," noted the activists.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, also weighed in on the matter, expressing deep concern over Uganda's failure to comply with its judicial rulings.

"Uganda is a long-standing member of the Commonwealth and has committed itself to the Commonwealth Charter, which upholds the values of human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. We are therefore saddened by the continued detention of Dr Besigye, Lutale, and Kiiza, which undermines the ruling of the Supreme Court of Uganda on January 31, 2025, and the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law," she said.

Other Topics To Read

• Uganda
• Uganda
• Kizza Besigye
• Human rights groups pile pressure on Ugandan gov't over Besigye's unlawful detention
• Headlines