KAMPALA, UGANDA — Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition figure in Uganda, has conveyed his Easter greetings to the Ugandan populace from Luzira Upper Prison, where he has been incarcerated for over five months.
In a handwritten message dated April 17, 2025, Dr Besigye expressed his gratitude to his supporters for the moral, material, and spiritual support they have provided throughout his detention.
“As we celebrate Easter, we are at peace, in spite of the imprisonment, by the Grace of the Lord,” the message reads.
Besigye, a veteran in Ugandan opposition politics, contemplated the significance of Easter, suggesting that despite its punitive intent, imprisonment offers an opportunity for introspection, learning, and spiritual rejuvenation.
“Reflecting on the current times during the Easter season has been poignant,” he added.
The message, referencing 2 Timothy 4:34, draws upon Apostle Paul’s warning regarding individuals deviating from sound doctrine in favor of comforting falsehoods. Besigye interprets this as a caution to remain steadfast in truth despite the proliferation of misleading narratives.
Dr Kizza Besigye’s Easter message arrives following the recent denial of bail for him and his political aide, Obeid Lutale, despite their fulfillment of all stipulated requirements. Presiding judge Rosette Comfort Kania reasoned that the pair, along with their co-accused, UPDF officer Captain Denis Oola, are facing “the gravest offense in the history of Ugandan laws” and might interfere with ongoing investigations.
This Easter marks the third festive season Besigye has spent in detention, including Christmas 2024, during which he contested treachery charges before his case was transferred from the General Court Martial to the civilian Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s court.
The charges against him have since been escalated to treason and misprision of treason. His initial Christmas in detention occurred in 2005, following his arrest shortly after returning from exile in South Africa.
At that time, as the leader of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and a former personal physician to President Museveni, Besigye had just launched his campaign for the 2006 presidential elections. He was charged with treason and rape and spent the holiday season in prison, drawing significant national and international attention. His legal team, led by Erias Lukwago, has described his prolonged detention as deeply concerning.
“It’s quite distressing given his stature as a statesman and senior citizen of advanced age. We at the Katonga Liberation Command Centre and all peace-loving Ugandans do miss his visionary leadership, wise counsel, and guidance,” Lukwago stated.
Prosecutors allege that Besigye, Lutale, and Captain Oola conspired in various international cities, including Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala, to solicit firearms, financial resources, and logistical support with the aim of overthrowing the Ugandan government. The trio remains in custody until April 30, 2025, as investigations continue.
