Uganda’s Minister of Information, Communications Technology, and National Guidance, Chris Baryomunsi, has revealed intricate details about Kenya’s involvement in the arrest of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
Baryomunsi revealed that the government of Uganda was in touch with the government of Kenya during the arrest of Besigye on Saturday, November 16.
These new revelations come after the government denied any involvement in the alleged abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in Kenya
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei in an interview on Thursday, November 20, said Kenya was unaware of Besigye’s presence in the country and had no role in the incident.
Kenya Denies Involvement in Arrest of Besigye
Speaking to Citizen TV, Sing’oei mentioned that the circumstances surrounding Kizza’s travel were not known to the Kenyan authorities because no information was shared before he traveled.
“We didn’t know what hotel he was booked to, which hotel he stayed in…and therefore we were not in a position to provide him with certain additional security,” he added.
Sing’oei has also emphasized that while the incident occurred on Kenyan soil, the government had no involvement. He noted that foreign leaders, including opposition figures, typically share their travel details with Kenyan authorities to facilitate security arrangements.
Also Read: Kizza Besigye: Family Reveals Last Moments Before Abduction
Uganda Minister Says Kenya & Uganda Were in Touch
However, Uganda’s ICT Minister Baryomunsi on his side said, “The government of Uganda was in touch with the government of Kenya
“Otherwise, how would you arrest somebody in the middle of Nairobi and bring him back to Uganda through the airport of by land without the full knowledge and the support of State there in Kenya,” he added.
When asked why Besigye was arrested after travelling to Kenya instead of waiting for him in Uganda, Baryomunsi stated that it depends on the intelligence information the security officials have.
“Dr Kizze Besigye like many of us has been travelling. I have travelled with him on the plane heading to Nairobi on the day when there were demonstrations in Capital City. We went to different destinations, but he was not arrested,” he said.
“So, there must be a reason why this time round the security agencies arrested him.”
Also Read: US Breaks Silence on Besigye Abduction, Blasts Kenya
Kizza Besigye and his associate Haji Obeid Rutale were on Thursday, November 21, charged at Makindye General Military Court Martial in Kampala.
The two were charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition after they were arrested in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Consequently, Besigye and his aide will remain in custody until December 2, 2024, as the investigations into the case continue.
US Calls Out Kenya & Uganda
The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Senator Jim Risch released a statement slamming Kenya and Uganda for the arrest of the politician.
Risch said the two countries are partners of the US and Besigye’s kidnap raised serious concerns since it goes against the international norms.
“Uganda’s abduction of an opposition leader in Kenya raises serious questions about important U.S. partners violating int’l norms like sovereignty, respect for human rights & rule of law,” Risch said.
“This is especially concerning given the Biden Admin’s rhetoric about transnational repression.”
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