Human rights organizations are intensifying pressure on the Ugandan government over the unlawful detention of opposition leader Kizza Besigye and others. The groups have called for the immediate release of Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale, Eron Kiiza, and others who have been held without proper legal grounds.
A joint statement issued by regional and international human rights organizations condemned the Ugandan government’s disregard for a Supreme Court ruling that declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional. The statement highlighted that 18 days after the ruling, Ugandan authorities continue to ignore legal orders and detain the individuals arbitrarily.
In addition, reports of Besigye’s deteriorating health after he began a hunger strike in prison have prompted the organizations to demand urgent action to prevent further harm or loss of life. They also called on the Kenyan government to acknowledge its involvement in the forced abductions of Besigye and Lutale from Nairobi in November 2024, urging investigations into these transnational abductions.
The organizations further criticized the increasing militarization of Uganda’s justice system ahead of the 2026 elections and invited the public to join a march against the unlawful detention of opposition leaders. The march is set for February 21, 2025, with a petition for justice to be presented at the Uganda High Commission in Nairobi and the National Assembly.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland, also voiced concern, emphasizing that Uganda’s failure to comply with its Supreme Court’s decision undermines the values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.