5 days ago
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The Commonwealth has urged Uganda to release opposition leader Kizza Besigye, stating that his detention undermines democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
Besigye, a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been in military custody for nearly three months on charges including illegal firearms possession. His prosecution and continued detention have sparked public outrage, with critics accusing the government of escalating political repression ahead of next year’s elections.
Last week, the 68-year-old politician launched a hunger strike in protest of his detention, leading to his brief hospitalisation over the weekend, according to an allied lawmaker. However, Museveni dismissed concerns over Besigye’s health, accusing him of using the hunger strike as “blackmail” to gain public sympathy and secure bail.
“How can you be accused of serious crimes and then go on hunger strike to generate sympathy for bail?” Museveni said in a statement, insisting that Besigye’s weakness, as seen in recent media images, was self-inflicted.
In a rare rebuke of a member state, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland condemned the detention of Besigye, his lawyer, and an aide.
“The Commonwealth has always had a relationship based on trust with Uganda and looks forward to the return of a more inclusive and democratic political environment aligned with the Commonwealth Charter,” Scotland stated.
Ugandan officials, including Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi, have not yet responded to the Commonwealth’s concerns. However, the government has previously denied allegations of human rights violations, maintaining that all arrests and prosecutions are carried out in accordance with the law.
Besigye’s detention is the latest sign of what critics describe as an increasingly authoritarian approach by Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986. Authorities have continued to clamp down on opposition voices, with at least five activists from Besigye’s political party arrested in Kampala on Monday while protesting for his release.
Meanwhile, Bobi Wine, the runner-up in Uganda’s last presidential election, claimed that his brother, a party official, was abducted in Kampala by armed men. The police have yet to comment on the incident.
As Uganda prepares for its next election, pressure is mounting on the government to address concerns over political repression and human rights violations, with the Commonwealth’s statement adding to growing international scrutiny.
Melissa Enoch
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