BY DISHON TENA
Opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye remains in detention despite growing concerns over his health.
In a brief court appearance today, Besigye appeared weak and frail, prompting his legal team to demand his release on medical grounds. However, the judge ruled that he was too unwell to proceed with the hearing and ordered that he be returned to Luzira Prison for further detention.
Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and strong critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been in custody since November 2024. He was allegedly abducted in Nairobi while attending a book launch and later charged with treachery, a capital offense under Uganda’s military law. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in January that military courts should not try civilians, Besigye remains behind bars.
His detention has sparked outrage both locally and internationally. Organizations such as Amnesty International and the Commonwealth have condemned the Ugandan government, calling for his immediate and unconditional release. They argue that his detention violates human rights and threatens democracy in the country.
Meanwhile, government officials maintain that Besigye must face trial, insisting that he was involved in activities that threatened national security. His supporters, however, fear that his continued imprisonment—especially in poor health—could fuel political tensions as Uganda heads towards the 2026 elections.
The situation remains tense, and all eyes are on the government’s next move. Will Besigye be freed, or will the standoff continue? We’ll keep you updated on the latest developments.
Stay tuned to Kastai FM for more updates.
