KAMPALA, Uganda — An influential opposition leader in Uganda who was facing a military trial is now set to be charged in a civilian court, an announcement made by an official on Monday amidst increasing calls for his release.
Kizza Besigye, a veteran politician who has run for the presidency four times, went missing in November while in Nairobi, Kenya. He resurfaced a few days later, appearing in a cage before a military tribunal in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.
Supporters of Besigye claim that the charges against him, which include serious accusations like treachery that could lead to the death penalty, are rooted in political motives. Last month, the Ugandan Supreme Court ruled that civilians should not be tried by military courts, raising concerns about the ability of military personnel, who lack legal training, to execute fair trials.
The specific charges that Besigye will face in civilian court remain uncertain. While treason is a comparable offense, officials from the judiciary are currently reviewing the evidence before determining the appropriate legal course to take, according to judiciary spokesman James Ereemye Mawanda.
Reports indicate that Besigye has been on a hunger strike for several days, as noted by his family. He appeared visibly weakened when he was brought to court last week. Recently, he required transportation via ambulance for treatment at a medical facility outside the high-security prison where he is detained.
The decision made by the Supreme Court has drawn criticism from President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is the military’s top commander.
At 68, Besigye has faced multiple arrests throughout his long political career but has never been convicted of a crime. A physician by training, he retired from the Ugandan military with the rank of colonel and once served as the personal physician to Museveni. Their professional relationship soured in the 1990s due to differing views on Museveni’s shift towards authoritarian governance.
Human rights organization Amnesty International has called for Besigye’s immediate release, arguing that his abduction breached international human rights laws and the principles of fair legal proceedings regarding extradition.
Besigye’s situation is under close observation by Ugandans who are apprehensive about the political landscape ahead of next year’s presidential elections. Although it is anticipated that Museveni will attempt to secure another term, speculation persists that he might consider stepping down, particularly as no clear successor has emerged within the ruling National Resistance Movement party. His son, Kainerugaba, has openly expressed ambitions to take over his father’s position.
