Besigye at court
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Several voices have been raised for the release of Uganda opposition leader, Rtd Col. Kizza Besigye, who was picked last Saturday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi while attending a book launch for Kenyan politician Martha Karua.
Besigye was charged Wednesday in a military court with threatening national security and illegal possession of firearms.
Among those advocating for the immediate release of the politician is Eng. Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife. She claimed that he was kidnapped while carrying out his routine duties in a foreign country.
Byanyima, who took to X, formerly Twitter said: “I request the government of Uganda to release my husband, from where he is being held immediately,” she said.
She claimed that his lawyers, as well as family members need to see him.
Besigye’s political career has been marked by controversy and opposition to President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
A vocal opposition leader, he has been arrested multiple times, including in 2011, 2012, and 2016, and has faced various charges, including treason and rape.
Other opposition leaders have also voiced their concerns about Besigye’s safety, saying his incarceration is against the law of the land.
Members of opposition awaiting Besigye’s production in court on Wednesday
They are opposed to his trial in a military court and voice out their worry about his health.
They included Amb Wasswa Birigwa, Deputy Kampala Mayor Doreen Nyanjula and Salaam Musumba among others, camped at the military court in Makindye.
Besigye was charged with subversion and shipped to Luzira maximum prison awaiting production after further investigations have been conducted by authorities.
