Diplomats in Uganda in secret meeting over detention of Besigye

KAMPALA, Uganda

Overall top diplomats from Western embassies have expressed concern over the trial and continued detention of Uganda opposition leader, Dr Kizza Besigye.

The Observer newspaper has reliably learnt that the diplomats, especially from the European Union, have been holding meetings to forge a way of getting Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale out of jail.

Besigye and Lutale were abducted in Nairobi and driven back to Kampala before they were arraigned at the General Court Martial four days later.

Ugandan law requires the state to produce a suspect in court not more than 48 hours after their arrest. They are accused of being found with two pistols and ammunition, and seeking to buy weapons from foreigners in Geneva, Athens and Nairobi.

According to a reliable source within the diplomatic circles, the diplomats are concerned about the violation of international laws by Uganda and the decision to have Besigye tried in a military court.

“They have discussed ways to push for a solution between government and the opposition, especially concerning dialogues. But they have not ruled out cutting aid or imposing sanctions on specific individuals involved in his abduction, arrest and continued detention,” said the source.

Meanwhile, the diplomats are said to have discussed Uganda’s political future ahead of the 2026 general elections in which President Museveni will likely look to extend his 40-year presidency.

“Diplomatic pressure is decisive. President Museveni only listens to donors. They have propped his regime over the years. He can’t ignore diplomats the way he ignores Ugandans.

It is important that the diplomatic community makes it clear to him that justice for Besigye and other civilians illegally tried in military courts is their priority,” added the source.

The donors are already concerned about the narrowing space of opposition figures, the harsh legislation against sexual minority groups, and growing levels of corruption in Uganda.

The donors have shown little faith in Uganda’s judicial system, and have not been shy to send that message to the state. Donors have already displayed their displeasure over this by cutting back on the aid and the issuance of sanctions against certain state operatives.

In Monday’s appearance before the General Court Martial, Besigye’s defence contested the competence and jurisdiction of any military tribunal to try civilians like him.

Eron Kiiza, one of Besigye’s lawyers, argued that the essence of the defence objection to the jurisdiction and competence of the General Court Martial to try civilians was captured by the Constitutional court on December 15, 2022, in the case between Captain Amon Byarugaba and Others v Attorney General, which declared that the exercise of jurisdiction by military courts to try civilians for criminal offences is unconstitutional,” he said.

This is the second time Besigye is facing trial before the General Court Martial. In 2005, Besigye appeared before the military court on charges of terrorism and illegal possession of firearms. He was accused of being behind the shadowy People’s Redemption Army.