In a significant turn of events, Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has ended his hunger strike after authorities transferred his case from a military tribunal to a civilian court. This morning, Dr. Besigye appeared before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala, where he was formally charged with treason and misprision of treason.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and prominent critic of President Yoweri Museveni, was arrested in November 2024 under contentious circumstances. Reports indicate that he was abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, while attending a political event, and subsequently transferred to a military detention facility in Kampala. He faced charges in a military court, including possession of illegal firearms and soliciting military support to undermine national security. These proceedings drew widespread condemnation from international organizations and human rights advocates, who argued that trying a civilian in a military court contravened both national and international legal standards.
On January 31, 2025, Uganda's Supreme Court ruled that the trial of civilians in military courts is unconstitutional, ordering an immediate cessation of such prosecutions. Despite this ruling, Dr. Besigye remained in military detention, prompting him to initiate a hunger strike on February 11, 2025, to protest his continued unlawful incarceration. His health deteriorated rapidly during the strike, leading to his hospitalization on February 17, 2025. The international community, including the Commonwealth and Amnesty International, intensified calls for his immediate release and adherence to the Supreme Court's directive.
In response to mounting pressure, the Ugandan government announced the transfer of Dr. Besigye's case to a civilian court. This morning, he was presented at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court, where he faced formal charges of treason and misprision of treason. The prosecution alleges that between 2023 and November 2024, Dr. Besigye conspired to overthrow the government through armed means, including soliciting military and financial support and organizing training sessions for Ugandan citizens in military tactics.
Following the court session, Dr. Besigye was remanded to Luzira Maximum Security Prison, with the next hearing scheduled for March 7, 2025. His legal team maintains that the charges are politically motivated, aimed at stifling dissent ahead of the forthcoming presidential elections. The case continues to attract international attention, with observers expressing concern over Uganda's commitment to democratic principles and human rights.
Dr. Besigye's decision to end his hunger strike comes as a relief to his supporters and human rights advocates, who remain vigilant in monitoring the legal proceedings and advocating for a fair trial in accordance with constitutional and international standards.
