A section of human rights activists in Kenya, led by Amnesty International Kenya and Vocal Africa, took to the streets on Monday morning in a show of solidarity with Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. The demonstrations, held at Aga Khan Walk in Nairobi’s central business district, called for Besigye’s immediate release following his detention in Uganda on treason charges.
Dr. Besigye, a longtime critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government, was arrested in Kenya last November and extradited to Uganda, where he was placed in detention at Luzira Maximum Security Prison. His condition reportedly deteriorated after he embarked on a hunger strike, which he ended on Friday when the Ugandan authorities opted to try him in a civilian court instead of a military tribunal. However, fresh treason charges were subsequently filed against him and his political ally, Hajj Obeid Lutale, delaying his possible release.
The Kenyan activists, many of whom are part of broader Pan-African human rights movements, argue that Besigye’s detention is politically motivated and violates his fundamental rights. Protestors carried placards and chanted slogans demanding justice for the 68-year-old politician as they planned to march to Parliament Buildings before heading to the Uganda High Commission to present a petition.
Speaking at the protest, Amnesty International Kenya Executive Director Irungu Houghton emphasized the importance of upholding democracy and protecting opposition voices across East Africa. “We stand in solidarity with Dr. Kizza Besigye because his persecution is an attack on democracy and freedom of expression in the region. We urge the Ugandan authorities to release him immediately and ensure that his legal rights are upheld,” Houghton said.
Besigye’s legal team is now working to expedite a bail application in the High Court, aiming to secure his release so he can receive necessary medical attention. The case has been adjourned until March 7, further prolonging his stay in custody.
Meanwhile, support for Besigye has continued to grow beyond Kenya’s borders. Ugandans and Kenyans have flooded social media platforms under the hashtag #FreeKizzaBesigye, amplifying calls for his release. The protests in Nairobi highlight the growing regional concern over the suppression of opposition figures and the state of democracy in Uganda.
As the legal battle continues, human rights organizations have vowed to keep up the pressure on the Ugandan government, calling on international bodies to intervene and ensure that justice is served.
