The whereabouts of Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, Uganda’s former presidential candidate, have sparked a political firestorm after his reported arrest in Kenya under unclear circumstances.
According to Brig. Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Besigye is expected to appear before the General Court Martial in Makindye today at 11:00 am to face charges.
However, Kulayigye did not clarify whether the Ugandan army arrested Besigye in Kenya or the circumstances under which he was transferred to Uganda.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, the UNAIDS Executive Director, has accused the Ugandan government of orchestrating her husband’s “kidnapping” from Kenya.
Byanyima claims Besigye was detained at a hotel in Kenya, where he was attending a book launch hosted by Kenyan politician Martha Karua, and secretly transported back to Uganda.
Byanyima has described the incident as a violation of international law and called for her husband’s immediate release. “This is nothing short of state-sanctioned abduction,” she stated, adding that Besigye is currently being held at a military facility in Kampala.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Uganda’s Minister for Information, Technology, and National Planning, has neither confirmed nor denied the allegations. Speaking to the press, Baryomunsi stated, “If the government indeed arrested Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, there must be a valid reason. However, I am still gathering information on the matter and will update the nation soon.”
Besigye’s reported arrest comes just weeks after 36 members of the FDC Katonga faction were detained in Kenya. The group was accused of participating in political training activities, brought back to Uganda, and charged with terrorism and related offenses.
As speculation mounts, all eyes are on the Makindye military court for clarity on the charges Besigye may face.
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