Veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye has ended his hunger strike after being formally charged with treason at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday, February 21. His hunger strike, which lasted over a week, was a protest against what he termed as illegal detention without a remand warrant following the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling halting the prosecution of civilians in military courts.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, began his hunger strike in response to the government’s failure to implement the Supreme Court’s January 31 ruling. The ruling had ordered the transfer of civilian cases from the General Court Martial to civilian courts with competent jurisdiction. However, authorities delayed enforcing the directive, prompting Dr. Besigye to take drastic action.
His lawyer, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, confirmed that the hunger strike was specifically in protest of Besigye’s continued incarceration without due process. “Now that Dr. Besigye has been formally arraigned before a magistrate’s court and a valid remand warrant has been issued, he has decided to call off the hunger strike. His protest was against illegal incarceration, and since the court has now taken jurisdiction, we will follow due process,” Lukwago said.
Lukwago also emphasized concerns over Dr. Besigye’s health after days of refusing food. He announced that they would be filing for bail immediately to allow the opposition leader access to adequate medical care outside prison. “We are proceeding with processing his bail application today. His health is a priority,” Lukwago added.
Dr. Besigye, alongside his aide Hajj Obeid Lutale and UPDF Captain Dennis Oola, was charged with treason. Prosecutors allege that between 2023 and November 2024, Besigye and his co-accused plotted to overthrow the Ugandan government by force. The charges stem from activities in multiple locations, including Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala. They also face an alternative charge of misprision of treason for allegedly failing to report knowledge of treasonous plans.
Initially, Besigye and Lutale were detained at the Makindye Military Barracks and charged with treachery and illegal possession of firearms before the General Court Martial. However, they refused to take plea, arguing that military courts lacked jurisdiction over civilians. Their stance was vindicated by the Supreme Court ruling that outlawed the trial of civilians in military courts.
Despite the Supreme Court’s clear directive, authorities delayed transferring the case, leading to Besigye’s hunger strike as a form of resistance. President Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, have openly criticized the Supreme Court’s decision, with Muhoozi making inflammatory statements against Besigye, accusing him of treason without evidence.
Besigye’s alleged abduction from Nairobi in November last year remains a significant concern among human rights groups. He and Lutale were reportedly seized while attending a book launch for Kenyan opposition leader Martha Karua. They were then transported overnight back to Uganda, where they were held in military detention for days before being charged.
With the hunger strike now ended, Besigye’s legal team is focusing on securing his release on bail, ensuring he receives necessary medical care, and challenging the treason charges in court.