Legal Battle Unfolds as Besigye Takes Uganda and Kenya to Court.

Kampala, Uganda - In a significant legal development, Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition figure, has filed a case against the governments of Uganda and Kenya at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). This follows his mysterious transfer from Nairobi to Kampala alongside his political ally, Hajj Obeid Lutale, raising serious questions about legality and human rights.

Besigye Saga: Uganda and Kenya Governments Dragged to East African Court
Besigye Saga: Uganda and Kenya Governments Dragged to East African Court

The EACJ has ordered both countries’ Attorneys General to respond to the allegations within 45 days. The petitioners argue that their transfer was executed without due process, infringing upon their rights and freedoms. The court’s directive emphasizes the importance of addressing these serious allegations promptly.

Military Court Keeps Dr Besigye in Luzira Dr Kizza Besigye in a caged dock inside the court martial in Makindye
Military Court Keeps Dr Besigye in Luzira Dr Kizza Besigye in a caged dock inside the court martial in Makindye

Besigye and Lutale were reported missing on November 16, 2024, during their visit to attend a book launch in Kenya. They resurfaced in a Ugandan military court four days later, facing charges linked to illegal firearms possession. The state claims that Besigye’s actions pose a threat to national security, further complicating an already tense political atmosphere.

Martha Karua has publicly criticized the handling of Besigye’s case, labeling it a blatant violation of constitutional rights and international norms. As this legal saga unfolds, it is poised to challenge governmental authority and raise critical discussions about political freedoms in East Africa.