Call for the Release of Kizza Besigye and Opposing Views Against Military Trials in Uganda
Ugandan authorities are called to release former opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his lawyer, Eron Kiiza, following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed military trials of civilians unconstitutional. Besigye’s health worsened due to a hunger strike protesting his detention. Reports indicate that at least 44 other civilians are similarly affected by unjust military trials. The failure to comply with the court’s ruling continues to violate international human rights norms.
Uganda’s authorities are urged to release former opposition presidential candidate Kizza Besigye and others who are currently in custody due to military court rulings. Besigye’s health has significantly declined as a result of a hunger strike protesting his continued detention, contradicting a recent Supreme Court decision that declared military trials of civilians unconstitutional. The court mandated that his case, along with others, should be moved to civilian jurisdictions.
On February 16, 2025, Kizza Besigye was hospitalized after enforcing a hunger strike in opposition to his detention despite the Supreme Court ruling. He had been forcibly taken from Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024, subsequently handed over to the Ugandan military, and charged before a military court. Presently, Besigye is held at Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Kampala.
Besigye’s legal representative, Eron Kiiza, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment for “contempt of court” on January 7, 2025, amidst public criticism of the military. His trial lacked fairness and legal representation, raising substantial concerns regarding the justice received by both Besigye and Kiiza. Their cases reflect a broader trend of civilians facing military trials without proper legal protections.
According to David Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary General of Uganda’s major opposition party, the National Unity Platform, at least 44 other civilians remain incarcerated as a direct result of military trials related to their political activism. These detentions have primarily occurred since the 2021 general elections.
Despite the Supreme Court’s crucial ruling against military trials two weeks ago, Ugandan authorities have yet to comply by releasing Besigye or arranging for the transfer of the remaining civilian cases. This ongoing arbitrary detention violates both the Supreme Court ruling and international legal standards ensuring the rights to liberty, security, and fair trials.
It is imperative for Uganda to adhere to international human rights obligations and the rule of law by promptly releasing Kizza Besigye, Eron Kiiza, and all other wrongfully detained individuals. Respect for human rights must prevail in order to foster justice and accountability within the country.
In conclusion, the Ugandan government’s continued detention of Kizza Besigye, Eron Kiiza, and other civilians poses serious questions about adherence to the nation’s legal principles and international human rights commitments. The recent Supreme Court ruling highlights the unconstitutionality of military trials for civilians, yet compliance remains lacking. Immediate action is required to rectify these injustices and uphold fundamental human rights within Uganda.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
