Kizza Besigye case: activists blame Kenya for plight

A coalition of Ugandan and Kenyan activists on Tuesday blamed Kenya for the plight of Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, whose health is deteriorating as he faces treason charges in Uganda.

The activists called for protests on Thursday in Nairobi. They also demanded an independent investigation into what they called Besigye's rendition from Kenya to Uganda, and urged Kenya to use diplomatic and legal channels to secure his unconditional release and the withdrawal of charges against him.

Besigye, a former personal physician to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has been in the authorities' crosshairs since he joined Uganda's opposition more than 25 years ago.

He was abducted in November 2024 during a trip to Kenya and later appeared before courts on treason charges after being accused of plotting a conspiracy against Museveni, who has ruled Uganda for more than 40 years.

“The operation deliberately circumvented Kenya's Extradition Act which requires a lawful request, arrest warrant, judicial proceedings and an opportunity to challenge extradition,” the activists said in a statement.

Kenya's foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi said last year that “Kenya cooperated with the Ugandan authorities” in Besigye's transfer to Uganda.

Hussein Khalid of the rights group Vocal Africa said those involved in what he called an illegal rendition that had put Besigye on his deathbed should be held accountable.

Besigye has been brought to hospital four times since he was taken into custody. At the end of July, he fainted during a court hearing and was treated in intensive care. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, said he was returned to prison on August 8 against medical advice.

The activists also blamed Museveni's son and military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba for Besigye's abduction and called for his suspension from heading the army.

Rights groups say political repression has been growing in Uganda in recent months, with the army arresting opposition figures and lawyers.