A coalition of Uganda’s Women’s Movement and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has issued a joint statement demanding the immediate and unconditional release of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and other political prisoners. This follows the Supreme Court ruling that declared unconstitutional the trial of civilians in military courts under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act.
On 31st January 2025, Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that military courts lack jurisdiction to try civilians and ordered the cessation of all ongoing trials of civilians before the court-martial, transferring them to ordinary courts with competent jurisdiction. However, over two weeks later, the government has failed to implement the ruling, leaving Dr. Besigye and several others in illegal detention.
Concerns Over Arbitrary Detention and Health Deterioration
Dr. Bireete Sarah, the Executive Director of the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG), expressed deep concern over Dr. Besigye’s significantly deteriorating health. Reports indicate that he has not eaten for five days, has lost alarming weight, and is being held in inhumane conditions.
Primah Kwagala, a human rights activist and lawyer, said the deteriorating health condition of any prisoner is a ground for immediate release from prison by courts of law. “For Besigye’s case, given that he is in illegal detention, he should be set free quickly to seek quality medical care.”
The statement also condemned the government’s continued crackdown on civic space, including the resurgence of kidnappings using military drones and the growing authoritarian tendencies of the regime. The coalition warned that the government’s refusal to implement the Supreme Court ruling is a direct assault on the rule of law and Uganda’s democracy.
Militarization of Justice and Political Persecution
The coalition criticized the escalating use of military courts to suppress opposition figures and civilians.
Human Rights Watch and other observers have previously documented how military trials have been riddled with injustices, including torture and forced confessions, lack of legal representation, convictions without proper defense and use of the courts as a political weapon.
Of particular concern is the hateful rhetoric from high-ranking military officials. The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) has openly threatened opposition leaders, including Dr. Besigye, with beheading and hanging, in direct violation of his constitutional duty to protect all citizens.
Unlawful Sentencing of Dr. Besigye’s Lawyer
The coalition also highlighted the illegal sentencing of Eron Kiiza, Dr. Besigye’s lawyer, who was sentenced to nine months in military prison without trial for alleged contempt of court. The CSOs described this as a blatant intimidation tactic aimed at silencing lawyers representing political detainees.
Dr Sarah Bireete asked government to respect and uphold the Supreme Court ruling, quashing the trial of civilians on military courts.
“The government should adhere to the court’s decision regarding the unconstitutionality of trying civilians in military courts, but also guarantee medical care to Dr Kiiza Besigye. It is a clear violation of his rights. The Supreme Court gave clear decrees therefore, Besigye should be released without delay,” she said.
Demands to the Ugandan Government
The coalition issued a set of urgent demands to the government, including immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Besigye, his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale, and all civilians illegally detained by military courts and respect and implement the Supreme Court ruling, ensuring all pending and ongoing trials of civilians in military courts cease and are transferred to civilian courts.
They also want the government to guarantee access to adequate medical care for Dr. Besigye, whose deteriorating health requires urgent medical attention, end the persecution of political opponents and cease the use of legal and military institutions to suppress dissent and engage in constructive dialogue with civil society, opposition groups, and legal professionals to restore democratic governance.
Call to the International Community
The coalition appealed to regional and international bodies to take urgent action, stating that Uganda’s government must be held accountable for its human rights violations.
“We urge the international community to condemn this blatant disregard for the rule of law and exert pressure on the Ugandan government to ensure the immediate release of Dr. Besigye and all other political detainees.”