Commonwealth Secretary-General Condemns Continued Detention of Dr Kizza Besigye

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has issued a strong statement expressing deep concern over the continued detention of Dr Kizza Besigye and other political detainees in Uganda.

In her statement, Secretary-General Scotland reaffirmed Uganda’s longstanding membership in the Commonwealth and its commitment to the Commonwealth Charter, which upholds values of human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. However, she noted that the detention of Dr Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale, and Eron Kiiza contradicts these principles and disregards a ruling by Uganda’s Supreme Court on January 31, 2025.

“We are therefore saddened and deeply troubled by the continued detention of Dr Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale, and Eron Kiiza, which undermines the ruling of the Supreme Court of Uganda and the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law,” Scotland said.

The Secretary-General also highlighted the abduction of Dr Besigye and Obeid Lutale in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, as a blatant violation of legal procedures and international human rights norms. She emphasized that their ongoing detention raises serious concerns about Uganda’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.

“I am also alarmed by reports regarding Dr Besigye’s health and urge the Ugandan authorities to ensure he receives the best possible medical care,” she stated. “We call for the immediate release of those who have been improperly detained. Along with the international community, we will continue to monitor the situation.”

Scotland further reiterated the Commonwealth’s willingness to engage with the Ugandan government, opposition leaders, and regional stakeholders to facilitate a peaceful resolution. She emphasized that the Commonwealth’s relationship with Uganda has always been built on trust and mutual respect and expressed hope for a return to a more inclusive and democratic political environment in line with the Commonwealth Charter.

The statement comes after President Yoweri Museveni addressed the matter of Dr Besigye’s detention on Tuesday, noting that those calling for Besigye’s release are promoters of insecurity. “You are promoting insecurity which is very dangerous for the country. Nobody in the world can easily give us lectures on reconciliation and forgiveness because that is part of our doctrine right from the 1960s,” said Museveni.

Besigye and his co-accused Hajji Kamulegeya are appearing before the High Court today.