Opposition leaders in Uganda have issued a statement demanding for the unconditional release of Dr. Kizza Besigye, together with numerous political prisoners who are currently on trial before the General Court Martial.
The joint statement follows a meeting of leaders from different opposition political parties who convened in the office of LOP Joel Ssenyonyi in Parliament today morning.
The leaders including National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi, Hon Erias Lukwago of PFF, General (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu of Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Former LOP Winnie Kiiza, Conservative Party president Ken lukyamuzi, PPP president Saddam Gayira, former LOP Wafula Oguttu, Joel Ssenyonyi (NUP) and Nyanjura Doreen of PFF.
In the statement, the opposition caucus condemned the abduction of Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale from Kenya on 16th November 2024 which they say was in complete violation of domestic, regional and international laws. Besigye and Hajji Obeid Kamulegeya were arraigned before the Court Martial on charges related to treachery after they were allegedly found in possession of firearms.
“We the undersigned leaders of political parties and formations do hereby demand that the charges against Dr Besigye and Hajji Obeid Kamulegeya are dropped and if not, that they are transferred to the civilian courts bearing the jurisdiction to try the alleged offenses” the leaders noted in the statement.
The caucus further demanded for an end to trying of civilians in military courts in adherence to rulings by Uganda’s Constitutional Court, noting that the military court lacks jurisdiction to try civilians but also said they believe there can’t be justice where the military is the complaint, the prosecutor and the judge.
The statement also calls upon the Chief Justice Owiny Dollo to rise to the occasion and put a final end to the trial of civilians in military courts.
“All cases involving the numerous political prisoners and other civilians must be terminated and transferred to civilian courts”
