Dozens of anti-riot police officers were deployed across Nairobi on Friday in anticipation of protests demanding the release of Uganda’s opposition leader, Kizza Besigye. Human rights activists had called for demonstrations, but uncertainty loomed over whether they would proceed, as conflicting reports suggested they had been rescheduled to Monday, February 24. Despite this, police took precautionary measures to maintain order and avert potential disruptions.
Key locations, including the Ugandan Embassy, the Ugandan residence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters, and the vicinity of State House, saw heightened security presence. Water cannons were also positioned in preparation for any unrest. Nairobi police commander George Sedah confirmed receiving information about the planned demonstrations, stating, “They said they would come, yes, but we are deploying teams to address any issue that may emerge.” However, he did not clarify whether the police would disperse the protesters should they gather.
The protests are being organized by human rights activists, legal professionals, and medical practitioners across East Africa, who are calling for Besigye’s immediate release. The Ugandan opposition figure has spent three months in military detention following his abduction while on a visit to Kenya in November 2024. Reports indicate that he was taken to Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Kampala, where he has been facing charges of treason, illegal possession of a firearm, and threatening national security. His trial before a military court has drawn widespread criticism, including from former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua, who has been part of his legal defense team.
Besigye’s condition has raised additional concerns after he was recently rushed to the hospital following a hunger strike protesting his detention. The Ugandan Supreme Court ruled on January 31 that civilians should not be tried in military courts, but the government has rejected this ruling, insisting that such trials help protect national security. President Yoweri Museveni, in a statement on X, urged those demanding Besigye’s release to instead push for a swift trial to establish the facts. He warned that calls for release without due process could promote insecurity in the country.
Amnesty International East Africa regional researcher Roland Ebole condemned the increasing trend of cross-border abductions, labeling them as “transnational repression” backed by state authorities. Human rights groups have vowed to continue their efforts by circulating petitions and engaging international organizations to pressure the Ugandan government to release Besigye and others unlawfully detained. As tensions rise, all eyes remain on whether the protests will materialize and how authorities will respond in the coming days.
