Detained Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye begins hunger strike, challenging his military trial and highlighting human rights concerns in Uganda.
In a bold act of defiance, prominent Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has commenced a hunger strike to protest his ongoing detention and trial by a military court. This development comes shortly after Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled against the prosecution of civilians in military tribunals, a decision that has sparked significant debate within the nation.
Dr. Besigye, a former personal physician to President Yoweri Museveni and a four-time presidential candidate, was apprehended in Kenya in November 2024 under contentious circumstances described by some as an abduction. He was subsequently transferred to Uganda, where he faces charges of illegal possession of firearms and treachery—a charge that carries the death penalty if convicted. 
His wife, Winnie Byanyima, who serves as the Executive Director of UNAIDS, announced the hunger strike on social media, stating, “Kizza Besigye is on hunger strike, detained illegally by a regime that fears his defiance more than it respects the law.” She emphasized his unwavering commitment to justice, asserting that he “will not yield while the regime tramples on justice.”
This protest follows a recent Supreme Court decision that deemed the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional. Despite this ruling, President Museveni has maintained that his administration will continue to prosecute civilians in military courts, citing concerns over national security.
The Uganda Prisons Service, however, has refuted claims of Besigye’s hunger strike. Spokesperson Frank Baine stated, “Besigye is OK and he is not on a hunger strike.” This contradiction has led to increased scrutiny and calls for transparency regarding Besigye’s treatment and the conditions of his detention.
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Dr. Besigye’s legal team has faced numerous challenges in their efforts to secure his release. They argue that his trial in a military court is not only unconstitutional but also a violation of his fundamental human rights. The situation has intensified tensions between the government and opposition factions, with human rights organizations expressing deep concern over the implications for justice and the rule of law in Uganda.
Dr. Kizza Besigye’s hunger strike serves as a poignant protest against his detention and the broader issue of civilian trials in military courts. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the ongoing struggle for justice and human rights in Uganda, highlighting the tensions between governmental authority and individual freedoms. The international community continues to watch closely, with many advocating for adherence to constitutional principles and the protection of human rights within the country.
