Commonwealth secretary general raises alarm over Besigye’s detention
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, raised an alarm over the detention of the country’s opposition figure Kizza Besigye.
Scotland indicated that the Commonwealth was troubled by Besigye’s detention alongside Haji Obeid Lutale and Eron Kiiza which she argued undermines Uganda’s Supreme Court ruling on January 31, 2025, which directed that the matter be heard in a civilian court.
The Commonwealth secretary general added that Besigye’s detention was undermining the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
“The abduction of Dr Besigye and Obeid Lutale, which occurred in Nairobi, Kenya, on 16 November 2024, disregards the orders of the Supreme Court of Uganda and the basic principles of justice. Their continued detention raises serious questions about Uganda’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, key tenets of our shared Commonwealth Charter and values,” Patricia Scotland stated.
Calls for immediate release
In her statement, Scotland implored the Ugandan authorities to release those who were detained improperly. Further, she called on the Ugandan authorities to accord Besigye the required medical attention.
“I am also alarmed by reports regarding Dr Besigye’s health and urge the Ugandan authorities to ensure he receives the best possible medical care. We call for the immediate release of those who have been improperly detained. Along with the international community, we will continue to monitor the situation,” Scotland implored.
Ready to mediate
At the same time, Patricia Scotland made it clear that the Commonwealth secretariat was ready to engage with all the parties involved to find a lasting solution to the issue in Uganda.
“The Commonwealth Secretariat stands ready to support and engage the Government of Uganda and all parties, including the opposition leaders and regional stakeholders, to work towards a peaceful resolution which protects the constitutional sovereignty of the country,” she added.
“The Commonwealth has always had a relationship based on trust with Uganda and looks forward to the return of a more inclusive and democratic political environment aligned with the Commonwealth Charter.”
Museveni’s statement
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, President Yoweri Museveni, absolved himself from the matter indicating that he had no hand in the continued detention of Besigye.
He however argued that Besigye must be presented before the court to answer his charges.
On the issue of Besigye’s deteriorating health, Museveni insisted that he had been accorded medical attention. He accused Besigye of going on a hunger strike to blackmail the government and further attract sympathy.
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