Joseph Isangura
In a significant development in Uganda’s ongoing political tensions, the government has announced plans to move the case of opposition leader Kizza Besigye from a military court to a civilian court.
This shift comes as the government has urged Besigye to end his hunger strike, which he began on February 10, 2025, to protest his detention and the charges against him.
Besigye, a longtime critic of President Yoweri Museveni, is facing charges of treason and illegal possession of firearms. His arrest and subsequent trial in a military court have sparked widespread controversy, especially after Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled earlier this year that civilians should not be tried in military courts. The move to transfer Besigye’s case is seen as the government’s response to that ruling, signaling a potential step toward complying with the court’s decision.
However, the government’s offer has been met with skepticism. Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, voiced concerns about the government’s sincerity, calling the move “suspicious.” She questioned whether the government would truly follow through on the Supreme Court’s decision or simply use this shift as a tactical move in the ongoing political struggle.
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Besigye’s hunger strike has drawn international attention, with human rights groups urging the government to treat him fairly and respect the legal process. Despite the government’s proposal, it remains unclear whether Besigye will end his hunger strike or accept the transfer to a civilian court.
This situation has become a focal point in Uganda’s political landscape, with both local and international observers watching closely. The case is not only about one man’s fight for justice but also about the broader issues of political freedom and human rights in Uganda.
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