KAMPALA- Opposition stalwart and four-time presidential candidate, Dr. Kizza Besigye has this afternoon been produced at the general Court Martial in Makindye where several high-profile opposition figures gathered today morning, awaiting his anticipated appearance.
He has since Sunday been held in military detention following his alleged abduction in Nairobi-Kenya on Saturday. Besigye was produced in court at exactly 1pm alongside his colleague Hajji Obed Kamulegeya.
The court chairman Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe was however forced to suspend proceedings for 15 minutes as Besigye said he would not respond to any charges since he had not interacted with his lawyers, to which he is entitled. Several opposition leaders are in Makindye including Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Buhweju MP Francis Mwijukye, former MP Ken Lukyamuzi, and Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura.
Others are former FDC national vice-president Salaamu Musumba, Soroti West MP Jonathan Ebwalu and former FDC mobiliser Ingrid Turinawe. Arriving before 10am, the group spent hours in quiet conversations while security forces delayed presenting Besigye. The delay in Besigye’s court appearance and the circumstances of his detention has raised serious concerns among opposition leaders and activists.
Questions about the legality of his arrest and detention have sparked outrage, with many accusing authorities of further eroding civil liberties. This incident comes amid broader concerns about political repression in Uganda, with critics citing a growing trend of abductions and arbitrary detentions targeting opposition figures.
The incident comes months after 36 activists associated with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction were reportedly abducted in Kisumu, Kenya, and transferred to Uganda in violation of extradition laws.
The group was recently granted bail after being charged with treason-related offenses.
