Kizza Besigye, a former opposition leader, is in declining health due to a hunger strike against unlawful detention. His case and those of many others reflect ongoing issues with military trials in Uganda, which the Supreme Court recently deemed unconstitutional. Despite this ruling, authorities have yet to release Besigye or others detained under similar circumstances, violating both local and international legal standards.
The Ugandan authorities are urged to release Kizza Besigye, a former opposition presidential candidate, whose health has significantly declined due to a hunger strike protesting his unlawful detention. His lawyer highlighted the deteriorating condition of Besigye, alongside the plight of other individuals imprisoned following military court rulings. A recent Supreme Court ruling on January 31, 2025, deemed such military trials unconstitutional, mandating cases to be moved to civilian courts.
Besigye was hospitalized on February 16 after enduring a hunger strike against his prolonged imprisonment, which defies the Supreme Court’s decision. He was forcibly taken from Nairobi, Kenya, to Uganda, where he underwent a military trial, ultimately leading to his confinement in Luzira maximum security prison in Kampala.
Additionally, Eron Kiiza, Besigye’s attorney, received a nine-month prison sentence from the military court for alleged contempt. His imprisonment occurred without adequate legal representation or a fair trial following critical remarks he made about the military. Numerous civilians, including at least 44 supporters of the National Unity Platform party, remain in detention under similar military court circumstances.
Even after the Supreme Court’s pivotal ruling against military trials for civilians, the Ugandan authorities have yet to release Besigye, Kiiza, or other individuals wrongfully detained. This ongoing violation of human rights not only contradicts judicial decisions but also breaches international law, specifically the rights to liberty, security, and a fair trial as per multiple treaties to which Uganda is a signatory.
In conclusion, the ongoing arbitrary detention of Kizza Besigye and others violates Uganda’s obligations under international law and its own Supreme Court ruling. The authorities must take immediate action to respect human rights and ensure the release of all civilians imprisoned under unconstitutional military trials. Adherence to the rule of law is crucial for advancing democracy and justice in Uganda.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
