Kizza Besigye, a Ugandan politician, was allegedly abducted in Kenya and is reportedly being detained in a military facility in Kampala, according to his wife, Winnie Byanyima, who has called for his immediate release. The police deny having him, while a military spokesperson hinted at his possible detention. Supporters await news of his potential court appearance amid ongoing tensions with the ruling government.
In a concerning development, Ugandan politician Kizza Besigye was reportedly abducted while attending a book launch in Kenya and subsequently transported to Uganda, where he is allegedly being detained in a military facility in Kampala. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has publicly urged the Ugandan government to secure his release. Ms. Byanyima made her plea via social media, asserting that her husband is unlawfully confined while also questioning the legitimacy of his detention. Winnie Byanyima’s statements highlight the troubling nature of Kizza Besigye’s circumstances, stating, “I request the govt of Uganda to release my husband Dr Kizza Besigye from where he is being held immediately.” She further indicated, “I am now reliably informed that he is in a military jail in Kampala.” While Ugandan police deny having him in custody, an army spokesperson hinted at Besigye’s probable detention, although they did not explicitly confirm the military’s involvement in the incident. Despite the police’s denial, a report from the Uganda Radio Network suggested that Kizza Besigye is expected to face court proceedings in the near future. Supporters of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), a prominent opposition party led by Besigye, gathered outside the Makindye military court in Kampala awaiting news of his potential arraignment. This incident has significant implications for the state of political dissent in Uganda, particularly since Kizza Besigye has a long history of opposing the current regime of President Yoweri Museveni, who has maintained power since 1986. Notably, this abduction follows a previous incident where 36 FDC members were arrested in Kenya and returned to Uganda under terrorism-related accusations.
Kizza Besigye is a prominent figure in Ugandan politics and has made several attempts to challenge Yoweri Museveni’s presidency. His persistence and leadership within the opposition party Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have made him a target of state repression, particularly as political dissent continues to be met with harsh crackdowns in Uganda. The recent alleged abduction marks an escalation in governmental measures against political opponents, highlighting the fragile state of democracy and human rights in the region.
The abduction of Kizza Besigye raises significant concerns regarding the treatment of political opposition in Uganda. His wife’s calls for action emphasize the urgency of ensuring his safety and legal rights while underscoring wider issues of political repression faced by dissenters in the country. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Ugandan authorities will respond to domestic and international calls for transparency and justice.
Original Source: africa.businessinsider.com
