Chief opponent to Uganda’s president appears in court days after going missing

Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye made a dramatic appearance in a military court on Wednesday, denying charges of seeking military support from abroad to destabilize Uganda’s military forces. Besigye, a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni, faced arrest and assault in the past and has lost four presidential elections.

Appearing in court without legal representation and confined in a cage, Besigye insisted on being tried in a civilian court, arguing that he is not a member of the armed forces. He also rejected government-appointed lawyers and refuted a charge of possessing an illegal firearm.

Besigye’s court appearance followed his mysterious disappearance in Nairobi, Kenya, four days earlier. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, accused the Ugandan government of kidnapping him and holding him in a military jail. However, the Ugandan government has not addressed these allegations.

In response to the incident, Kenya’s foreign affairs permanent secretary, Korir Singoei, stated that Kenya was not involved in Besigye’s alleged abduction. Besigye’s lawyer, Erias Lukwago, expressed concern over the arrest of his client in a foreign country, emphasizing the need for accountability and respect for territorial integrity.

President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has faced criticism from human rights organizations for alleged violations against opposition figures. Besigye’s ongoing legal battle highlights the challenges faced by dissenting voices in Uganda’s political landscape.

The case of Kizza Besigye underscores the complexities of political opposition and human rights in Uganda. As the legal proceedings continue, the international community will be watching closely to ensure a fair and transparent judicial process.