The leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, has criticised the arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye in Kenya and his subsequent prosecution in Uganda, describing the actions as blatant violations of legal and diplomatic protocols.
Muntu expressed outrage over what he termed as the complete disregard for proper extradition procedures between Kenya and Uganda.
He accused the authorities of trampling on principles of justice and warned of potential regional instability.
"The madness continues. Arrested in Kenya. No extradition processes followed between the two countries. Paraded in a military court. This series of actions is riddled with illegalities and a reckless abandonment of justice," Muntu stated via his X formerly Twitter.
He further cautioned against escalating tensions in the region, urging strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights.
"Don’t push our countries over the precipice," he warned.
Dr. Besigye, a long-time critic of President Museveni’s government, was reportedly apprehended under unclear circumstances in Kenya and later transferred to Uganda.
He was scheduled to speak at the launch of Kenyan opposition leader Martha Karua’s book in Nairobi but was notably absent.
His disappearance drew widespread condemnation from human rights activists, who suspect foul play by Ugandan authorities with alleged complicity from Kenyan security agencies.
Activists have likened this incident to a similar case in July 2024, where 36 Ugandan citizens were reportedly abducted in Kenya, transported to Uganda, and detained without due process.
They have called the acts a breach of the East African Community Treaty and international human rights laws.
Dr. Besigye was on Wednesday produced before the General Court Martial in Makindye, four days after his reported disappearance.
He has been charged with unlawful possession of two pistols and ammunition.
Arriving in a military police detainee van three hours after the scheduled court appearance, Besigye appeared composed, dressed in a navy-blue suit and a pink-grey striped shirt.
Smiling and waving his signature two-finger salute to supporters, he was greeted by party members and well-wishers who had camped at the court premises since morning.
Besigye was accompanied by Obeid Lutale, a close associate, who was reportedly arrested alongside him in Nairobi.
The court remanded Besigye to Luzira Prison, with his case adjourned to December 2, 2024.