Opposition has betrayed Besigye—Mpuuga

KAMPALA - Democratic Alliance pressure group leader Mathias Mpuuga says the Opposition’s silence about Dr Kizza Besigye’s incarceration at Luzira Prison in Kampala is a sign of betrayal.

Four-time presidential candidate Besigye and his long-time friend, Hajji Obeid Lutale, are on remand over charges including possessing two pistols and eight bullets.

They are also standing trial for allegedly soliciting military support overseas to destabilise Uganda’s national security.

They were arrested in Kenyan capital Nairobi on November 16, 2024, while they were allegedly heading for the launch of National Rainbow Coalition party leader Martha Karua’s book.

Mpuuga, who is also the Nyendo-Mukungwe Division MP, says it is three months since Besigye, who is also known simply by his initials KB, was “kidnapped from Nairobi and has since been unjustly detained”.

“No one can discount KB’s contribution to the fight for freedom, justice and equality in Uganda.  Silence at a time when his rights are being violated is a sign of betrayal. Let's demand for his freedom,” he stated.

He hashtagged his X, formerly Twitter, post #FreeBesigye on January 22, 2025.

MPs to visit Besigye

On January 23, 2025, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa directed the committee on human rights to visit Besigye and other inmates at Luzira Prison today (January 24, 2025) to investigate their detention conditions.

Tayebwa’s directive followed concerns raised by some MPs during that day’s plenary session over alleged human rights violations against Besigye and other inmates at Luzira Prison.

By press time, the committee was still scheduled to visit the facility and report their findings to Parliament by January 28, 2025. 

According to Parliament, the report is expected to provide a basis for further debate on the alleged human rights violations and Besigye’s detention conditions.