The Commonwealth has urged Ugandan authorities to release veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, stating that his continued detention undermines democracy and human rights in the East African nation.
Besigye, a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been in custody for nearly three months following his prosecution by a military court on charges including illegal firearms possession. His detention has sparked public outrage, with critics accusing the government of suppressing political dissent.
Last week, the 68-year-old opposition figure launched a hunger strike in protest against his detention. Over the weekend, he was briefly hospitalized, according to an allied lawmaker.
In a statement on Tuesday, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland expressed concern over the incarceration of Besigye, his lawyer, and an aide, describing it as a violation of democratic principles and the rule of law.
“The Commonwealth has always maintained a relationship based on trust with Uganda and hopes to see a return to a more inclusive and democratic political environment that aligns with the Commonwealth Charter,” Scotland noted.
Uganda’s Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi was unavailable for comment. However, the government has previously denied allegations of human rights violations, insisting that all arrests and prosecutions follow legal procedures.
Critics argue that Besigye’s detention is part of a broader crackdown on opposition voices ahead of Uganda’s next general election, in which President Museveni is widely expected to seek another term.
On Monday, police arrested at least five activists, including members of Besigye’s political party, during a protest in Kampala demanding his release. Meanwhile, Bobi Wine, who finished second in the last presidential election, claimed that his brother—an official in his party—was abducted by armed men in the capital.
Efforts to reach Ugandan police for comment on the latest arrests were unsuccessful.