Opposition Members of Parliament in Uganda are seeking explanations for the controversial arrest of former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye in Nairobi, Kenya. The arrest has sparked concerns over Uganda’s adherence to international and regional laws.
Dr. Besigye was arrested on November 16, 2024, while attending an event organized by Kenya’s Martha Karua. He is currently on remand in Luzira Prison, facing trial at the General Court Martial on charges including possession of weapons and holding meetings in foreign countries allegedly aimed at undermining Uganda’s security.
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Kiira Municipality MP Ssemujju Nganda led the call for a thorough investigation, citing procedural violations in Besigye’s arrest. Nganda condemned the charges against Besigye as baseless, emphasizing that the laws governing extradition and deportation were ignored.
“The laws governing extradition and deportation were flagrantly ignored. Only criminals can do this. You may not be concerned with Besigye, but be concerned with the state continuing to act criminally,” Nganda stated.
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi reinforced the need for a detailed statement from the government, questioning how Uganda could arrest Besigye in Kenya without authorization.
“Government should explain to us how it went to Kenya without the authorization of Kenya and picked up Dr. Kiiza Besigye. I think it will be important for that explanation to come through because Uganda can’t keep going wherever and picking people,” Ssenyonyi said.
The Speaker, Anita Among, directed the ministers of Foreign Affairs and Internal Affairs to present a comprehensive statement addressing the legality of the matter and Uganda’s adherence to immigration and regional laws.
However, Government Chief Whip Denis Hamson Obua cautioned MPs against premature condemnation, stating that Besigye was arrested, charged, and produced before a competent court under the UPDF Act.
“Dr. Besigye was arrested, charged and produced before a competent court under the UPDF Act. Let the judicial process take its course. Condemnation at this point is premature,” Obua said.
Asuman Basalirwa (NUP, Bugiri Municipality, Bugiri) rejected this stance, insisting that procedural irregularities were not subjudice.
“The abduction of any person without following due process violates Uganda’s own laws and the East African Community framework. This issue is beyond the merits of the case; it’s about governance and justice,” Basalirwa argued.
Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo recalled past instances where Uganda had respected extradition laws, such as the case of Allied Democratic Front (ADF) leader, Jamil Mukulu.
“In Mukulu’s case, all legal protocols were followed when he was extradited from Tanzania. What happened this time? We are now becoming the headlines on international media for all the wrong reasons,” Ssekikubo added.
