Actors within the civil society space have called for the unconditional release of Dr. Kizza Besigye amid concerns about his failing health.
At a press briefing held at the Center for Constitutional Governance, members argued that Besigye’s continued detention was not only a violation of his rights but it was also a slap in the face of the recent Supreme Court ruling that decreed that it is illegal for army courts to try civilians.
Besigye was arrested in Nairobi in November last year, whisked to Uganda, and charged with illegal possession of arms at the General Court Martial. He was subsequently remanded to Luzira Prison.
Last week, it was reported that Besigye had embarked on a hunger strike protesting his continued detention. The strike has affected his health.
Dr Sarah Bireete, Team Leader at CCG, said Besigye’s continued incarceration raises serious concerns about the rule of law.
“It is a clear violation of his rights. The Supreme Court gave clear decrees therefore, Besigye should be released without delay,” she said.
Primah Kwagala, a human rights activist and lawyer who read the joint statement, said the government’s reluctance to free Besigye was a clear violation of the Supreme Court judgment and a miscarriage of justice.
“We unequivocally demand the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Kizza Besigye. The government must adhere to the court’s decision regarding the unconstitutionality of the GCM. He must be given access to medical treatment,” she said.
Henry Muguzi, from the Alliance for Finance Monitoring (ACFIM), said he had worked closely with Besigye and that the former FDC leader had never advocated for the use of violence.
“Even when some people were saying we should pick up arms, Besigye insisted that we stick to constitutional means,” Muguzi said.
Without giving a clear time frame, the minister of Justice, Norbert Mao, assured yesterday that steps were being taken to transfer Besigye’s case from the General Court Martial to the civilian courts.
