A growing movement is calling for the release of Uganda’s opposition leader, Kizza Besigye, who has been in police custody since November 2024. Ugandans and Kenyans have taken to social media to demand his freedom, with the hashtag “#FreeBesigye” trending across platforms.
Besigye, 68, was allegedly abducted in Nairobi and later charged in a Ugandan military court with possession of pistols and attempting to acquire weapons abroad. He has denied the charges, and his continued detention has sparked protests and online outrage. His trial, initially set for January 2025, has been delayed indefinitely, raising concerns about judicial fairness and political persecution.
The veteran politician, a longtime opponent of President Yoweri Museveni, is currently on a hunger strike in protest of his detention. His condition reportedly deteriorated over the weekend, forcing authorities to rush him to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall in critical condition.
His political movement, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), has condemned his prolonged incarceration. An aide from the movement told the BBC, “We believe he is protesting because he should not still be in prison—he should be home.”
Many Ugandans and Kenyans view Besigye’s arrest as an attack on democracy and the rule of law. The Supreme Court of Uganda had previously ruled that civilians should not be tried in military courts, making his trial highly controversial.
Across social media, people have called on international bodies such as the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), and United Nations (UN) to intervene. “As much as we can say we have human rights organizations, they must act. AU, EAC, COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS, and the UN should condemn this act by the Ugandan government,” one user wrote.
There are also signs of growing unease within Uganda. Reports indicate an increased military presence in Kampala, particularly around Makerere University. “The regime is afraid of an uprising; Besigye is the spark that ignites our own Arab Spring,” a social media user claimed.
Meanwhile, Besigye’s family has expressed grave concern for his health. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, said the authorities had previously denied him access to his doctor, but they suddenly allowed a visit, raising fears about his deteriorating condition. “We fear that this sudden change signals a sudden change in his health,” her sister Edith Byanyima stated.
As pressure mounts on the Ugandan government, it remains unclear how authorities will respond to the growing calls for Besigye’s release.
