Diaspora-based Ugandan ActivistCondemns Dr. Besigye’s arrest from Kenya

Diaspora-based political activist – George, also known as the “Voice for the Voiceless”, has strongly come out to condemnwhat he has termed as the illegal abduction of Ugandan opposition politician – Dr. Kizza Besigye, from Kenya, by operatives of Uganda’s security forces. 

The controversial incident, which happened last week, Saturday, November 16, has sparked outrage across the region, with human rights advocates, including George, and legal experts questioning the legality of the move and its implications for regional stability.

Dr. Besigye, a vocal critic of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, was reportedly seized in Nairobi under unclear circumstances and transported to Uganda. He was subsequently arraigned before the military court martial, a decision fiercely contested by his legal team, who argue that the military court has no jurisdiction over a civilian.

In an online interview released on Wednesday, November 22, George denounced the abduction as a blatant violation of international law and Uganda’s own constitutional provisions.

“This is not just an attack on Dr. Besigye but an assault on the rule of law, democracy, and the sovereignty of Kenya,” George declared. “The illegal rendition of a civilian from one country to another by military forces without due process is a dangerous precedent that cannot be tolerated.”

George further called on the East African Community (EAC) and international organizations to intervene and hold Uganda accountable for its actions.

“Such acts undermine regional unity and threaten peace and cooperation in East Africa. We must stand together to ensure that justice and fundamental human rights are upheld,” he added.

Besigye’s legal team has filed an urgent petition to Uganda’s Constitutional Court, seeking his immediate release and a declaration that his trial before the military court is unconstitutional. They argue that the use of military jurisdiction to prosecute civilians is a grave miscarriage of justice.

In the meantime, George’s voice, together with that of several other Ugandans and Kenyans, have erupted, with activists and opposition figures demanding Besigye’s release. 

Human rights organizations have also weighed in, urging the Kenyan government to investigate the circumstances surrounding his abduction and ensure its territory is not used for unlawful operations.

The Ugandan government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but analysts suggest the move is part of a broader crackdown on dissent. Dr. Besigye, a former ally-turned-critic of President Museveni, has been arrested and detained multiple times over the years for his opposition activities.

George concluded by saying: “If we allow such actions to go unchallenged, it won’t just be Dr. Besigye who suffers. It will be every citizen who dares to speak truth to power. This is a fight for all of us.”

The international community now watches closely as calls for justice grow louder, with many questioning the implications of this incident for human rights and governance in East Africa.