KIZZA BESIGYE: Kenyans, Ugandans Gang Up To Demand Opposition Leader’s Release
Ugandans and Kenyans have come together to demand the release of Uganda’s opposition leader, Kizza Besigye.
Besigye, 68, has been in police detention in Nairobi since a claimed kidnapping in November 2024 and has been charged in a military court with possessing firearms and attempting to procure weapons from overseas.
EARLIER: Dr. Kiiza Besigye was rushed to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall in critical condition. He has been on a hunger strike in prison, demanding his release. #NTVNews pic.twitter.com/t9m3YaYccc
— NTV UGANDA (@ntvuganda) February 16, 2025
He has since refuted the accusations. The politician is currently on a hunger strike to seek his release.
An aide from his political movement, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), told the BBC: “We believe he is protesting because he should not still be in prison – he should be home.”
Besigye’s trial was initially scheduled for January, but it is now uncertain when it will begin.
On Sunday, Besigye was taken to a clinic in Bugolobi Village Mall in critical condition.
Ugandans and Kenyans on X organized rallies, with the word “Free Besigye” trending.
The messages are accompanied by posters of an emaciated Besigye.
A Twitter user argued that the ongoing detention was a “grave attack on the rule of law, judicial independence, and fundamental human rights”.
This is particularly true in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling that civilian trials in military courts are unconstitutional.
Kiiza Besigye, himself a medical doctor, evacuated from Luzira prison and rushed to a private health facility in Bugolobi, Kampala, under heavy security, after his health deteriorated further
— Stephen Mutoro (@smutoro) February 16, 2025
✅His lawyer Erias Lukwago has confirmed #FreeBesigye #FreeKizzaBesigye pic.twitter.com/LexcDVQyrO
As both a Human Rights Defender and Political Activist I feel heart broken seeing Dr. Kizza Besigye in this State of Life because of the Regime Impunity.
— Buwembo Habib (@BuwemboHabib) February 14, 2025
Dr. Besigye for most of his Life time, he has been Fighting to ensure that Uganda is a safe place for Everyone.. pic.twitter.com/vD6qVkBFqu
Kizza Besigye is on hunger strike, detained illegally by a regime that fears his defiance more than it respects the law. This is not just an attack on him—it is an attack on every Ugandan who dares to demand justice. They think they can break his spirit, but they underestimate… https://t.co/bntDR1Yka1
— Winnie Byanyima (@Winnie_Byanyima) February 11, 2025
“Driving today to work, I couldn’t help but notice a significant military footprint in the city and around Makerere University to be specific,” another tweep stated.
“The regime is afraid of an uprising; Besigye is the spark that ignites our own Arab Spring.”
“Free Dr. Kiiza Besigye and all other political prisoners in Uganda,” a tweet read.
“Do what you can within your means. Dr. Besigye, Counsel Kiiza, Bobi Young and all NUP political prisoners need to be released. Professionals join in!” another read.
“As much as we can say we have human rights and organisation to check on those human rights,” an X user tweeted.
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“AU, EAC, COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS, UN should condemn this act of the government of Uganda. Kizza Besigye should be released immediately.”
This morning, we went to Luzira Prison to see Dr. @kizzabesigye1 and other political prisoners. Unfortunately, Dr. Besigye couldn't move to the OC's office where the visit took place because he is too weak to move. We were told that he collapsed this morning as he attempted to… pic.twitter.com/Pgzfc6Vzk0
— David Lewis Rubongoya (@DavidLRubongoya) February 17, 2025
People power front activists to storm state house seeking for the release of their leader, Kiiza Besigye. The opposition leader was abducted from Kenya last year and is currently detained at Luzira Max Prisons#Klaupdates pic.twitter.com/6XI9j3wHPv
— Kampala Updates (@KlaUpdates) February 17, 2025
Video: : Pastor Ssempa calls on
— Martin Ssempa (@martinssempa) February 16, 2025
Ugandan authorities to release Dr #KiizaBesigye on humanitarian grounds due to his deteriorating medical condition.
Let the man live so he can come back to court another day. Justice can't be served when he dies in prison! God forbid!
Help… pic.twitter.com/U3WY6x2rIb
Winnie Byanyima’s family informed the media that they had received an unexpected request to bring Besigye’s personal doctor to see him in custody.
“This coming after authorities had repeatedly denied him access to his own doctor is worrying. We fear that this sudden change signals a sudden change in his condition,” Edith Byanyima said.
“We are forced to speak out now because we believe the worst may be imminent.”
KIZZA BESIGYE: Kenyans, Ugandans Gang Up To Demand Opposition Leader’s Release
