Published on 16/12/2024
Prominent opposition leaders in Uganda have denounced the military trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale, demanding their ‘Immediate & Unconditional’ Release.
They argue the trials are a tactic by President Museveni to silence dissent and crush opposition voices. Critics highlight the misuse of military courts, which lack jurisdiction over civilians as a blatant abuse of power. The arrests have sparked widespread calls for justice and the protection of democratic freedoms. Activists warn that such repression threatens Uganda’s political stability and human rights.
The leaders, who made these remarks during a joint press briefing at Parliament, included Robert Kyagulanyi (President of the National Unity Platform), Mugisha Muntu (National Coordinator of the Alliance for National Transformation), Ken Lukyamuzi (President of the Conservative Party), Kibirige Mayanja (Founder of the Justice Forum), Sadam Gayira (Chairman of the People’s Progressive Party) and Erias Lukwago.
Kyagulanyi: Court Martial as a Tool of Oppression
Kyagulanyi criticized the use of the Court Martial, describing it as a mechanism of oppression under Museveni’s control. “The Court Martial has been turned into a tool of oppression by Gen. Museveni. He decides who is charged, what charges are brought, and who is granted bail,” Kyagulanyi said. “Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Kamulegeya cannot and will not get justice in a military court. We demand that the charges against them be dropped or transferred to a civilian court, where justice can be pursued.”
Muntu Decries Abduction of Ugandans Abroad
Mugisha Muntu expressed concern over the government’s extraterritorial actions, questioning why Besigye was apprehended outside Uganda. “It is alarming for a government to abduct its citizens from foreign countries without following legal and diplomatic protocols,” Muntu said. “What mindset drives such operations? Even if there were charges, why not arrest him within Uganda’s jurisdiction?”
Kiiza Warns of Jeopardy in East Africa
Former Leader of the Opposition Winnie Kiiza accused President Museveni of undermining Uganda’s credibility in the East African region. She emphasized the need for unity among opposition groups. “An attack on one opposition member is an attack on all of us. The President’s actions are jeopardizing Uganda’s standing in the region. By muzzling state institutions, he risks exporting this authoritarianism to neighboring countries,” Kiiza warned.
Ssenyonyi: Opposition Will Not Stay Silent
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi characterized Besigye’s arrest as a “kidnap” by Ugandan security operatives and vowed continued opposition to the misuse of military courts. “The persecution we face unites us as opposition leaders,” Ssenyonyi noted. “This illegality must end. When they hurt one of us, they hurt all of us.”
Lukwago Calls for Nationwide Protest
Erias Lukwago, Besigye’s lawyer, called for collective action against the use of military courts in prosecuting opposition members. He dismissed the Court Martial as a disciplinary committee with no legal standing in Uganda’s judicial hierarchy. “The military court martial is not a court of law under the Constitution. It’s a misnomer. By calling it a court, we are sanitizing its illegality. It is time for Ugandans to assertively and aggressively say, ‘Enough is enough,’” Lukwago stated.
Karua Denied Legal Representation Rights
The trial has also drawn international attention, with prominent Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua denied a temporary practicing certificate by the Uganda Law Council. Karua, who sought to join Besigye’s legal defense team, criticized the council’s decision as politically motivated.
In her response, Karua tweeted: “It is Dr. Besigye’s constitutional right to appoint a lawyer of his choice. The disparaging remarks about my character undermine the spirit of regional unity.”
The legal fraternity in Uganda reacted with outrage, with human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza describing the council’s decision as unconstitutional. “The decision violates Uganda’s Constitution and international law, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The political affiliations of Hon. Karua are irrelevant to her legal expertise,” Kiiza wrote.
Call for Regional and Global Advocacy
Opposition leaders have urged both Ugandans and the international community to amplify their calls for justice. They maintain that the trial of Besigye and Lutale symbolizes a broader erosion of human rights and the rule of law in Uganda.
