Ugandan Opposition Leaders Condemn Military Trial of Besigye and Lutale

Summary:

• Ugandan opposition leaders have condemned the military trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale, accusing President Museveni of using military courts to suppress dissent. They demand their release and transfer to civilian courts, highlighting the erosion of human rights and rule of law. International attention has also grown, with Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua being denied the right to represent Besigye.

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Uganda’s prominent opposition leaders have strongly condemned the ongoing military trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale, demanding their immediate and unconditional release. They accuse President Museveni of using military courts to suppress political dissent and intimidate opponents, pointing out that military courts lack the authority to try civilians.

During a joint press briefing at Parliament, opposition figures including Robert Kyagulanyi (NUP President), Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation), Ken Lukyamuzi (Conservative Party), Kibirige Mayanja (Justice Forum), Sadam Gayira (People’s Progressive Party), and Erias Lukwago voiced their concerns.

Kyagulanyi criticized the Court Martial, calling it a tool of oppression under Museveni’s control. He demanded that the charges against Besigye and Lutale be dropped or transferred to a civilian court for proper justice.

Muntu expressed alarm over the government’s actions abroad, questioning why Besigye was arrested outside Uganda’s borders. He criticized the lack of legal and diplomatic processes in his apprehension.

Former Leader of the Opposition Winnie Kiiza warned that Museveni’s actions were damaging Uganda’s reputation in East Africa and urged unity among opposition groups. “An attack on one opposition member is an attack on all of us,” she said.

Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition, described Besigye’s arrest as a “kidnap” and vowed to continue resisting the misuse of military courts. Erias Lukwago, Besigye’s lawyer, called for nationwide protests against the military court system, dismissing it as an illegitimate entity under Uganda’s Constitution.

Internationally, the trial has attracted attention, with Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua being denied the right to represent Besigye in court. She criticized the Uganda Law Council’s decision as politically motivated. Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza condemned the move as unconstitutional.

Opposition leaders are urging both Ugandans and the international community to rally for justice, emphasizing that the trial represents a wider erosion of human rights and the rule of law in Uganda.