In a dramatic turn of events, prominent Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye is reported to have been abducted during a visit to Nairobi, sparking outrage across the region. Politicians, activists, and his family have condemned the incident, demanding his immediate release and clarity on his whereabouts.
Hon. Mwijukye Francis, MP for Buhweju County and a former aide to Dr. Besigye, expressed shock and anger, directly addressing Kenya’s President William Ruto: “President Ruto, why betray East Africa to this level? We demand the release of Dr. Kizza Besigye.”
Nyakato Asinansi, Woman MP for Hoima City, echoed the sentiment with a defiant declaration: “No Besigye, No Peace! Whether it’s Kenyan authorities or the Ugandan Government, we need our leader to be set free! Whoever is holding him incommunicado must release him now!”
Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS and Dr. Besigye’s wife, issued a heartfelt plea, disclosing troubling details about his alleged detention: “He was kidnapped last Saturday while in Nairobi for Hon. Martha Karua’s book launch. I am now reliably informed that he is in a military jail in Kampala. We, his family and lawyers, demand to see him. He is not a soldier. Why is he being held in a military jail?”
The anger has not been confined to Uganda, with opposition voices warning of potential fallout. Ingrid Turinawe, a long-time ally of Dr. Besigye, delivered a stern warning: “Ruto and Museveni are capable of anything! This kidnap will not leave you in your usual comfort zones. Make sure you produce him alive! Uganda, wake up!”
Kampala’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Nyanjura Doreen, added to the accusations, claiming a worrying trend: “Kenya is becoming very unsafe for Ugandans opposing the regime. First, it was 36 activists abducted from Kisumu, and now our leader Kizza Besigye. Unconfirmed reports indicate he was abducted from Nairobi to an unknown place.”
As pressure mounts, questions linger about the circumstances surrounding Dr. Besigye’s disappearance, the role of regional governments, and the legality of his alleged detention in a Ugandan military facility. The incident has reignited fears of cross-border crackdowns on dissidents, undermining East Africa’s commitment to human rights and democracy.
The region now watches closely for a response from both the Ugandan and Kenyan governments, as calls for justice and accountability grow louder.
