The wife of prominent Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye fears her husband will not receive a fair trial after his recent abduction from Kenya and subsequent detention in Uganda.
Besigye was seized in Nairobi on November 16th while preparing for a book launch.
Both Amnesty International and Kenyan officials have condemned the incident as an abduction, while Uganda’s government denies any involvement.
Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife and Executive Director of UNAIDS, expressed deep concern over the charges brought against her husband in a military court.
She believes the charges are politically motivated and urged President Yoweri Museveni to reconsider his approach to political opponents.
Uganda’s military spokesperson, Felix Kulayigye, dismissed these concerns, stating that the court will follow legal procedures.
However, critics argue that military courts are often used to target political opponents in Uganda.
Besigye, a former ally of Museveni, has challenged him in multiple presidential elections, alleging electoral fraud.
His detention has sparked international condemnation, with rights groups urging Uganda’s Western donors to pressure the government for his release.
Kenya has also come under scrutiny for its role in the incident. While the government denies involvement, it is facing criticism for its history of deporting foreign dissidents to face prosecution in their home countries.