Uganda opposition figure Dr.Kizza Besigye and his associate Haji Obeid Rutale have been 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.
Besigye and Rutale are accused of holding meetings outside the country to secure funding aimed at destabilizing their home country’s security.
Besigye Held at Military Jail
Earlier his wife, Winnie Byanyima, announced that the former presidential candidate was being held at a military jail in Kampala, Uganda after he was reportedly kidnapped in Nairobi.
“I am now reliably informed that he is in a military jail in Kampala,” she said in a statement.
Byanyima said Besigye, a medical doctor and opposition politician, was kidnapped while he was in Nairobi to attend a book launch by Kenyan politician Martha Karua.
She demanded that the government release Besigye from the jail where he is being held.
“I request the govt of Uganda to release my husband Dr Kizza Besigye from where he is being held immediately. He was kidnapped last Saturday while he was in Nairobi for Hon Martha Karua’s book launch,” she said.
She questioned why Besigye is being held in a military jail, yet he is not a soldier.
Further, Byanyima said Besigye’s lawyers and family should be allowed to see him.
“We his family and his lawyers demand to see him. He is not a soldier. Why is he being held in a military jail?” she asked.
Political Career
Besigye was President Yoweri Museveni’s personal doctor before he joined politics and became the opposition leader.
The 68-year-old previously led the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party.
He has contested in four presidential elections against the Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
During this period, Besigye has constantly accused Museveni’s leadership of being dictatorial.
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He has alleged that previous presidential elections were rigged – a claim denied by the government.
This is not the first time he is being arrested or kidnapped, it has happened several times in the past.
In previous protests, he sustained injuries, including a gunshot to his hand and pepper spray exposure, which caused serious eye damage.
He has frequently faced accusations of inciting violence, with authorities filing various charges against him.
Also Read: Why Uganda Removed Attorney General from Top Leadership Position
Uganda Politicians Arrested in Kisumu
His kidnap came after 36 Ugandan politicians associated with him were arrested in Kisumu on July 23, 2024.
The political activists were arrested and ferried back to Uganda where they were charged with terrorism at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate Court.
In a video shared by the Daily Monitor, the suspects were heard singing at the Court in Uganda.
“We shall overcome, Museveni will go someday,” they were heard chanting.
The activists pleaded not guilty to the charges and were later released on bail.
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