Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye is reportedly being held in a military jail in Kampala after his wife, Winnie Byanyima, alleged he was abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, last Saturday during a book launch event.
Byanyima, a human rights advocate and executive director of UNAIDS, demanded Besigye’s immediate release, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “We his family and his lawyers demand to see him. He is not a soldier. Why is he being held in a military jail?”
Detention and Legal Proceedings
Ugandan army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye told the Uganda Radio Network that Besigye would appear in court soon but did not confirm if the military was holding him. Supporters of Besigye’s Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party gathered at Kampala’s Makindye military court, expecting his appearance.
The Kenyan National Human Rights Commission condemned the alleged abduction, stating, “Any form of abduction of those who seek asylum in our country is unacceptable.” Kenyan authorities have faced criticism for recent deportations, including the return of Turkish refugees and Ugandan opposition supporters.
Opposition Leader and Government Critic
Kizza Besigye, 68, has been a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s leader since 1986. Once Museveni’s personal doctor during the guerrilla war, Besigye later became a vocal opposition leader, contesting and losing four presidential elections, all of which he claimed were marred by rigging—allegations denied by the government.
Over the years, Besigye has faced numerous arrests, injuries from police confrontations, and accusations of inciting violence. Despite these challenges, he remains one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition figures, referring to Museveni as a “dictator.”
Broader Concerns
Besigye’s detention highlights growing regional concerns about human rights abuses and the shrinking space for political dissent. Kenya, once seen as a safe haven for refugees and dissidents, has been under scrutiny for forced deportations. In July, 36 FDC members were expelled from Kenya without due process, echoing a disturbing trend.
Byanyima’s plea for her husband’s release underscores the escalating tension between opposition figures and the Museveni administration, drawing attention to the wider struggle for democratic freedoms in East Africa.