Ugandan Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye Reportedly Kidnapped and Detained

Kizza Besigye has reportedly been kidnapped and detained in a military prison in Uganda, according to his wife, Winnie Byanyima. This incident occurred following his attendance at a book launch in Nairobi. Besigye, a long-time opposition leader and critic of President Museveni, is known for his allegations of electoral fraud and has faced several arrests throughout his political career.

Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader, has been reportedly kidnapped and is currently being detained in a military prison, as confirmed by his wife Winnie Byanyima. She stated that he was taken during a book launch event in Nairobi, Kenya, last Saturday. In a statement on X, Byanyima expressed her demand for the Ugandan government to release her husband, emphasizing the inappropriateness of his detention in a military facility, given that he is not a soldier.

Kizza Besigye, aged 68, has been a significant figure in Ugandan politics, having led the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party. He has unsuccessfully contested four presidential elections against the long-standing incumbent, Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986. Over the years, Besigye has faced multiple arrests and has accused the Museveni government of election tampering and authoritarian practices. He previously served as Museveni’s personal physician before becoming a staunch critic of his regime.

The abduction of Kizza Besigye raises serious concerns regarding political freedoms and human rights in Uganda. His family’s urgent call for his release and their questioning of his detention in a military jail reflect the ongoing struggle between the opposition and the ruling government. The international community’s attention and advocacy may be crucial in ensuring the safety and fair treatment of opposition figures in Uganda.

Original Source: www.bbc.com