Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye has reportedly begun a hunger strike while facing trial in a military tribunal, his wife Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, announced. In a social media post, Byanyima condemned Besigye’s detention, calling it illegal and accusing the government of attempting to break his spirit. She emphasized his unwavering resolve, stating that he would not yield to what she described as an unjust regime. However, Ugandan prison authorities have refuted these claims, with spokesperson Frank Baine insisting that Besigye is in good condition and not on a hunger strike.
Besigye’s trial stems from his November 2024 detention in Kenya, which Nairobi has described as an abduction. He was subsequently returned to Uganda and charged with illegal possession of firearms and treachery, offenses that carry the death penalty. His case has reignited tensions, especially following a ruling by Uganda’s top court two weeks ago, which banned military tribunals from trying civilians. In defiance of the ruling, President Yoweri Museveni criticized the judiciary, asserting that Uganda is “not governed by judges, but by the people.” He defended military trials, arguing that they strengthen civilian courts in protecting citizens from armed criminals.
Besigye’s detention occurs amid growing accusations from opposition leaders and human rights activists of widespread government abuses, including torture and arbitrary detentions. His supporters argue that his prosecution is politically motivated, aimed at silencing government critics. Museveni’s administration, however, has consistently denied allegations of human rights violations, maintaining that its actions are in the interest of national security and stability.
The case has drawn both domestic and international attention, with calls for Besigye’s release growing louder. As the opposition leader’s fate hangs in the balance, Uganda faces increasing scrutiny over its commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and human rights. Whether Besigye’s hunger strike, if confirmed, will shift the political landscape remains to be seen, but his trial is set to be a defining moment in Uganda’s democratic trajectory.
