Uganda’s opposition leaders have issued a united call for the immediate release of Dr. Kiiza Besigye, accusing President Yoweri Museveni’s government of using unlawful methods to suppress dissent.
Speaking at a joint press briefing at Parliament, they denounced the use of military courts to prosecute civilians, describing it as a blatant disregard for the rule of law and democratic norms.
Winnie Kiiza, former Leader of the Opposition, stressed the importance of solidarity among opposition groups.
“An attack on any member of the Opposition should be looked at as an attack on all of us,” Kiiza said. She praised Besigye for his unwavering commitment to unity within the opposition and criticized Museveni’s leadership style.
“The President’s actions have jeopardized the integrity of this Republic by muzzling state institutions and undermining democracy,” she added.
Mugisha Muntu, National Coordinator of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), raised concerns over Besigye’s arrest, allegedly involving cross-border abduction without adherence to legal and diplomatic protocols.
“Governments do not abduct their citizens from other countries without due process. This operation shows a disregard for established legal norms, putting Uganda’s international standing at risk,” Muntu remarked.
Other leaders present included Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP), Ken Lukyamuzi (Conservative Party), Kibirige Mayanja (Justice Forum), Sadam Gayiira (People’s Progressive Party), and Elias Lukwago.
They criticized the government’s increasing use of military courts to intimidate political opponents, warning of dire consequences for Uganda’s democratic fabric.
The leaders urged Ugandans to stand against the erosion of their rights and called on international bodies to hold the government accountable. “The misuse of state power is a threat to all Ugandans, not just the opposition,” Muntu emphasized.
The government has yet to respond, but opposition leaders vowed to maintain pressure, warning that failure to address such actions risks plunging the country into deeper political crisis.