Kizza Besigye, a former opposition candidate, faces deteriorating health due to a hunger strike while detained following military trials. The Ugandan Supreme Court recently ruled such trials unconstitutional, yet authorities have not acted to release him or others affected. Legal and human rights advocates stress that the arbitrary detention of civilians contravenes multiple international treaties.
Ugandan authorities must immediately release former opposition presidential candidate Kizza Besigye, whose health has significantly declined following a hunger strike protesting his detention. Alongside Besigye, others subjected to military court rulings also deserve freedom. The Supreme Court recently deemed military trials of civilians unconstitutional, mandating their transfer to civilian jurisdiction.
Mr. Besigye was hospitalized on February 16 after undergoing a hunger strike due to his unresolved detention despite the Supreme Court ruling. He had been forcibly taken from Nairobi, Kenya in November 2024 and presented before a military court, ultimately being imprisoned at Luzira maximum security facility in Kampala.
Additionally, Eron Kiiza, Mr. Besigye’s attorney, was sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Maximum Security prison following a January 7 ruling for “contempt of court.” This verdict arose from Mr. Kiiza’s criticisms of the military, wherein he was deprived of a fair trial and adequate legal representation.
Both Besigye and Kiiza are among numerous civilians imprisoned due to military trials. David Lewis Rubongoya, Secretary General of the National Unity Platform, reported to Human Rights Watch that at least forty-four other civilians, including party supporters, are currently incarcerated due to these proceedings, many of whom were detained surrounding the 2021 general elections.
Despite the Supreme Court’s significant ruling declaring military trials unconstitutional, Ugandan authorities have yet to release Besigye or the other affected civilians. The continued arbitrary detention raises concerns regarding violations of liberty, security, and fair trial rights under international law, as Uganda is a signatory to numerous treaties ensuring these rights.
It is imperative that Uganda respects human rights and the rule of law by promptly releasing Kizza Besigye, Eron Kiiza, and other individuals wrongfully detained under military jurisdiction.
In summary, the ongoing detention of Kizza Besigye and others by Ugandan authorities defies a recent Supreme Court ruling that renders military trials of civilians unconstitutional. The inhumane treatment and deterioration of respondents’ health reflect a broader infringement of human rights and legal provisions. The demand for the immediate release of these individuals underscores the necessity for Uganda to adhere to its international human rights obligations.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
