US ‘Closely’ Following Kizza Besigye’s Abduction From Kenya To Uganda
The US administration has denounced the recent kidnapping of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in Kenya and his subsequent prosecution in a military court.
Molly Phee, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, said in a brief statement on Thursday, November 21, that the US was closely watching Besigye and his counterpart Obeid Lutale’s kidnapping from Kenya to Uganda.
She emphasized the importance of transparency in the case and requested an explanation for the circumstances surrounding the arrests of two major political individuals.
In her statement, the US representative in Africa advocated for complete legal protection for the two leaders during the judicial procedures that are presently underway at a Ugandan Military Court.
“We are closely following reports on the abduction and transnational rendition of civilian political figures Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale from Kenya to Uganda. The circumstances must be clarified with transparency and full legal protections,” read Molly Phee’s statement.
We are closely following reports on the abduction and transnational rendition of civilian political figures @KizzaBesigye1 and Obeid Lutale from Kenya to Uganda. It is important that the circumstances be clarified with transparency and full legal protections.
— Bureau of African Affairs (@AsstSecStateAF) November 21, 2024
The Bureau of African Affairs is a component of the United States State Department that reports to the Secretary of State on Sub-Saharan African issues. The bureau was formed in 1958.
The agency also directs, coordinates, and monitors US federal efforts in the Sub-Saharan region, including economic and administrative matters.
Besigye was reportedly detained in Kenya and transferred to Uganda for prosecution in a martial court, where he was accused of multiple offenses, including holding illicit weaponry in other countries.
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The prosecution in Uganda also claimed that Besigye attended many meetings in Nairobi, Geneva, and Athens to plan the removal of President Yoweri Museveni from power.
He appeared in court four days after being arrested in Kenya, where his wife works as a USAID worker. His wife corroborated the rumors of his reported kidnapping.
However, Besigye’s counsel contended that the allegations against the opposition leader were ineffectual since the acts were allegedly committed outside of Uganda’s jurisdiction and so should not be heard in the country’s martial court.
“All the acts highlighted in this charge sheet do not constitute criminal offences committed within the laws of Uganda. Unlawful possession of firearms? Firearms of which country?” argued Besigye’s lawyer.
US ‘Closely’ Following Kizza Besigye’s Abduction From Kenya To Uganda
