Detained Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye starts hunger strike

KAMPALA, UGANDA — Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition politician, has begun a hunger strike while detained in military custody. His detention now approaches three months, and he faces charges of weapons possession and attempted illegal arms purchases, which he vehemently denies.  

An aide from Besigye’s political movement, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), stated to Vivid Voice News that this hunger strike is a form of protest against his continued imprisonment. They argue that Besigye’s prolonged detention is unjustified and that he should be released immediately.

The trial, initially scheduled for January, has been delayed, leaving the commencement date uncertain.

Besigye, a former personal physician to President Yoweri Museveni, has become a leading voice of opposition. He has contested four presidential elections against Museveni, all of which he lost.

Throughout his political career, Besigye has consistently accused the Ugandan authorities of political persecution.  

While his political activity has diminished in recent years, his recent abduction from Kenya and subsequent detention in Uganda reignited public scrutiny. This incident sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about a potential clandestine intelligence exchange between the two neighboring countries.

Besigye and his aide, Obeid Lutale, who also denies the charges, face trial.  

A landmark Supreme Court ruling declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional. However, President Museveni has vehemently opposed this ruling, vowing to challenge it.  

Besigye has a history of legal battles with the Ugandan government. In a 2022 case, he was accused of organizing an unlawful demonstration but failed to appear in court, citing health concerns.

Previous charges against him, including treason and rape, were later dropped, with Besigye claiming they were politically motivated.  

President Museveni has defended the use of military courts for cases involving firearms, citing concerns about the slow pace of civilian courts and the need to maintain national stability.  

Opposition parties in Uganda frequently criticize restrictions on political activities, alleging that President Museveni seeks to suppress political competition. However, his supporters maintain that his rule has ensured stability and security for nearly four decades.