Veteran Ugandan opposition leader Col (Rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye has been honoured with the Akufo-Addo Africa Democracy Award, recognising his long-standing contribution to democracy, human rights, and peace on the continent.
The award, named after Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is presented by the Democratic Union of Africa (DUA) to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing democratic governance in Africa.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Besigye’s wife Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS, celebrated the recognition: “Anselm (Besigye’s son) and I are very proud of and celebrate Dr Kizza Besigye on this award. We are grateful to the Democratic Union of Africa for acknowledging KB’s contribution to building democracy and peace in Africa,” she posted.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which Besigye co-founded and once led, also acknowledged the award. Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat accepted the accolade on Besigye’s behalf, commending his “unwavering fight for democracy in Africa” and calling for the release of Besigye and other political detainees such as Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu.
Dr Besigye, a former army colonel and physician, has been one of President Yoweri Museveni’s fiercest critics for over two decades, contesting the presidency four times and enduring numerous arrests and detentions.
Currently 69, Besigye remains a central figure in Uganda’s opposition politics and is seen by many across Africa as a symbol of resilience in the struggle for democratic reform.
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