UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed grave concern over the abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, calling it a violation of international human rights standards.
Besigye, a prominent critic of Uganda’s government and a key figure in the opposition, was forcibly abducted on November 16 while in Kenya and was subsequently returned to Uganda under questionable circumstances.
He was detained incommunicado before being presented before a military court in Kampala yesterday, where he faced serious charges of firearms possession and security offences, with potential sentences including the death penalty.
Turk condemned the incident, highlighting that Besigye's abduction followed a disturbing pattern of similar actions against opposition figures.
In July 2024, 36 other members of the FDC were similarly abducted in Kenya, returned to Uganda, and charged with terrorism offenses.
"The forced return of Mr. Besigye and the ongoing practice of abducting opposition leaders and activists is a clear violation of fundamental human rights," Turk stated.
"Such actions must cease immediately. Uganda must uphold the rights of its citizens, particularly the right to participate freely in political processes without fear of arbitrary detention or persecution."
In addition to the abductions, Turk raised concerns about Uganda's use of military courts to try civilians, a practice that contravenes the country's international obligations.
The UN Human Rights Committee, which monitors the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, has repeatedly criticized Uganda’s military courts for failing to provide the due process guarantees necessary for fair trials.
"I call on the Ugandan government to immediately release Kizza Besigye and ensure that any legal proceedings against him are carried out in full compliance with international human rights law," said Turk.
"The government must also launch a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his abduction."
The abduction of Besigye is the latest episode in a series of actions by the Ugandan government to clamp down on political opposition.
Turk’s comments come as part of an ongoing international effort to hold the Ugandan government accountable for its treatment of dissent and opposition figures.
As the situation unfolds, global human rights organizations and the international community continue to monitor developments closely, calling for the immediate cessation of such violations and greater respect for democratic freedoms in Uganda.
