KAMPALA, UGANDA — Minutes after opposition leaders issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the release of Dr. Kizza Besigye, Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu, the National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Head of Mobilisation, was forcefully taken by armed men suspected to be Ugandan security personnel.
Eyewitnesses report that Nyanzi was shoved into a vehicle and whisked away under unclear circumstances.
His abduction has intensified concerns over the Ugandan government’s handling of political dissent, especially in the wake of mounting pressure from opposition groups.
The incident comes amid growing unrest as opposition figures continue to demand Besigye’s freedom, further escalating political tensions in the country.
Opposition leaders, led by the National Unity Platform (NUP), convened at the party’s headquarters to strategize a collective response to the continued detention of Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Besigye and his ally, Haji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, are facing charges in the General Court Martial for allegedly possessing firearms and ammunition meant for the armed forces. Additionally, Besigye has been charged with treason.
The two were abducted from Kenya in November last year while attending the launch of a book by Martha Karua, a prominent opposition leader. Since then, they have remained in remand at Luzira Prison under orders from the Court Martial.
Besigye argues that his detention is illegal, citing a Supreme Court ruling that military courts lack jurisdiction over civilians. In protest, he recently began a hunger strike to pressure authorities into granting his release.
Ahead of the opposition leaders’ meeting, key figures—including NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Joel Ssenyonyi, Alliance for National Transformation Secretary General Alice Alaso, and former LoP Winnie Kiiza—attempted to visit Besigye in prison. However, they were denied access due to his deteriorating health.
Kyagulanyi urged Ugandans to take action, warning that the nation would bear responsibility if Besigye’s condition worsened in detention.
Ssenyonyi echoed the call for urgent intervention, emphasizing that all efforts must be directed toward securing the release of Besigye and other political prisoners.
The opposition caucus is set to reconvene in Parliament tomorrow to explore additional measures to pressure the government into compliance.
Alice Alaso has urged prison authorities not to be complicit in defying the Supreme Court ruling that bars military courts from trying civilians. She emphasized that freeing Dr. Kizza Besigye is in everyone’s best interest, including the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Speaking outside Luzira Prison, former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza insisted that Besigye should be receiving medical care instead of being held behind bars. She warned that any attack on Besigye was an attack on all Ugandans and must be resisted.
Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda distanced President Yoweri Museveni from Besigye’s continued detention.
He noted that while Museveni had criticized the Supreme Court ruling as flawed, the president’s stance did not influence Besigye’s case. Kirunda added that if Besigye’s supporters want his release, they must pursue legal channels.
“I appreciate the concerns on Dr. Besigye’s case and sympathise with the family. However, there is no need for alarm but rather understanding of what has to be done. There is a process to transferring his case to the civilian court.
The DPP has indicated that steps are already being taken to comply with the decision of the Supreme Court. Moreover, Besigye isn’t under military detention.
He is in Luzira, and the family can visit him normally in consultation with the prisons authorities. If he is on hunger strike, the family should encourage him to accept nourishment as his legal team prepares to secure for him bail or any other relief.
The President’s views on the Supreme Court ruling have nothing to do with Besigye’s detention. It’s the process that’s taking some time. Let all the concerned do their part to conclude this matter,” Kirunda said.
Following the circulation of distressing images of Dr. Kizza Besigye appearing frail in court last week, pressure has been mounting on the government to release him. Over the weekend, the Uganda Medical Association and Besigye’s family stressed the urgent need for him to receive proper medical care.
In what appeared to be a response to these calls, prison authorities escorted Besigye to his doctors in Bugolobi before returning him to Luzira Prison. However, concerns over his deteriorating health persist.
Meanwhile, Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has taken a hardline stance, declaring that Besigye will only leave prison under two conditions—either in death or after apologizing to him and his father, President Yoweri Museveni.
His statement has further fueled political tensions, with opposition figures condemning what they see as blatant disregard for Besigye’s rights.
