Prominent Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has broken his silence after his reported abduction in Nairobi and subsequent detention in Uganda, shedding light on the ordeal that has drawn widespread condemnation.
Dr. Besigye was allegedly abducted on the evening of Saturday, November 16, at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi, where he had been dropped off for a meeting. His driver, who waited until 4:00 AM without receiving any communication, raised the alarm after calls and messages went unanswered.
The incident caused significant concern among his friends, family, and political allies, particularly after Besigye failed to attend a highly anticipated book launch by Kenyan opposition leader Martha Karua the following day. He was scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the event.
Reports indicate that Dr. Besigye was taken to Uganda, where he was detained in a military facility under conditions of complete isolation. Speaking in court for the first time since the incident, Dr. Besigye revealed the extent of his isolation.
“I was only informed that I was coming to court a few minutes ago,” he said, adding that he had not been in contact with anyone since his arrest. “I have already said I will be having my own lawyers, but I haven’t briefed them yet.”
Dr. Besigye expressed frustration over his inability to engage his legal team, emphasizing the challenge of coordinating his defense without prior communication.
Condemnation from Pan-African Leaders
The Pan-African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network, a coalition of opposition leaders across the continent, has condemned the alleged abduction, describing it as a “deeply disturbing” violation of human rights and international law.
In a strongly worded statement, the group accused Kenyan and Ugandan security agencies of collaborating in the incident.
“We suspect that Dr. Besigye may have been abducted after he was dropped at Riverside Apartments, most likely by Ugandan authorities working in cahoots with and facilitated by Kenyan authorities,” the coalition stated.
The network has demanded Dr. Besigye’s unconditional release and accountability from both governments involved. They also raised broader questions about the implications of cross-border abductions on human rights and the rule of law.
“Why would governments connive to abduct their citizens across borders when they have the opportunity to make a formal arrest at home?” the coalition asked.
Kenya Denies Involvement
The Kenyan government has distanced itself from the incident, with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Sing’oei Korir categorically denying Kenya’s involvement in Dr. Besigye’s alleged arrest and deportation.
“There is no reason whatsoever for Kenya to be a party in his arrest, if any,” Korir stated on Wednesday, seeking to absolve the Kenyan administration of responsibility.
Despite the denial, the incident has sparked intense scrutiny of Kenya-Uganda relations and raised questions about the role of state actors in political suppression.
The Ripple Effect
Dr. Besigye’s ordeal has reignited debates about the treatment of opposition leaders in Africa and the lengths to which governments go to suppress dissent. The Pan-African Opposition Leaders Solidarity Network emphasized that such actions undermine democratic principles and set a dangerous precedent for the region.
Activists and rights organizations have called for independent investigations into the incident, urging international bodies to hold those responsible accountable.
As Dr. Besigye navigates the legal process, the incident remains a stark reminder of the challenges faced by opposition figures in authoritarian regimes. It has also brought to light the critical need for stronger safeguards against human rights violations across borders.
For now, the eyes of the region remain on the Ugandan government’s handling of Dr. Besigye’s case and the wider implications it holds for political freedoms in East Africa.
