Besigye goes on hunger strike
Veteran opposition politician, Kizza Besigye, 68, has started a hunger strike in protest of his prolonged detention awaiting trial. He was charged with possession of pistols and attempting to purchase weapons abroad which he denies.
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a movement founded by Besigye, believes he is protesting his prolonged confinement and that he should be released. Besigye’s trial has been delayed and it remains unclear when it will begin. Amidst these circumstances, Besigye has also allegedly refused to speak to his lawyers while in detention.
Initially set for January, the trial has been postponed multiple times. This marks the latest incident in a long history of run-ins with the law for Besigye, who was a personal doctor to President Yoweri Museveni before becoming an opposition leader.
The veteran politician has been detained for nearly three months sparking widespread condemnation and fears of political persecution.
In a landmark ruling last month, Uganda’s Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional for military courts to try civilians, ordering the transfer of all such cases to civilian courts. This move has been met with resistance from President Museveni who vowed to challenge the ruling.
Besigye has been involved in numerous high-profile cases including charges of treason and rape which were later dropped. He has accused Museveni’s administration of targeting him for his opposition views.
The Ugandan government has defended the use of military courts citing the need for swift justice to maintain stability. However, opposition parties have long complained about restrictions on their activities alleging that Museveni fears democratic competition.
