- Summary:
- Ssemujju noted that Besigye, a promoter of the newly formed political party People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), was taken from Riverside Apartments in Nairobi and forcibly driven across the border without going through immigration protocols.
KAMPALA: Speaker Anita Annet Among has directed the government to present a statement to Parliament next week clarifying the circumstances under which former presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, were allegedly abducted from Kenya and later arraigned before the Military Court Martial in Uganda.
This directive followed a statement by Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality MP), who expressed outrage over Besigye’s alleged abduction while attending a book launch by former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua.
Ssemujju noted that Besigye, a promoter of the newly formed political party People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), was taken from Riverside Apartments in Nairobi and forcibly driven across the border without going through immigration protocols.
He said that Besigye’s passport, national ID, wallet, and other belongings were reportedly left at the hotel.
“News of his disappearance started circulating on 19th November 2024, three days after the incident. By 20th November 2024, he was miraculously arraigned before the Military Disciplinary Committee, commonly known as the Court Martial. He and Lutale were charged with illegal possession of two pistols, allegedly exclusive to the UPDF, and accused of holding meetings in Switzerland, Greece, and Nairobi aimed at undermining Uganda’s security,” Ssemujju said.
Ssemujju called on Parliament to condemn the incident, stating: “The abduction of Besigye has been widely condemned by the United Nations, lawyers, and human rights defenders. Even the Uganda Human Rights Commission has called for his immediate release. This Parliament must also demand an explanation from Kenya regarding this violation, questioning whether it still upholds East African Community (EAC) brotherhood.”
Government Defends Its Actions:
Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua urged caution, arguing against premature condemnation. He emphasized that the matter was already before the court and that evidence would guide the judicial process.
“What I can confirm on behalf of the government is that Besigye was arrested, charged, and remanded to Luzira Prison. On the call for condemnation, it is premature as the court process will determine the truth. Let us also remind ourselves to operate within the rules of the law,” Obua remarked.
However, Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa criticized the government’s reliance on the sub judice rule to evade addressing the legality of the abduction. Basalirwa called for clarity on Uganda’s relationship with Kenya, highlighting their existing extradition treaty.
“How safe are Ugandans in Kenya? The government must explain the apparent illegalities of forcibly bringing suspects into Uganda without due immigration processes,” Basalirwa demanded.
Opposition Raises Concerns:
Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi questioned whether Uganda’s security forces had adopted a new modus operandi of abducting Ugandans from neighboring countries.
“I heard claims that he was found with a gun, but jurisdictionally, that should be Kenya’s concern, not Uganda’s. Many questions remain unanswered. Is this the government’s new approach to handling dissent?” Ssenyonyi asked.
He also challenged the charges against Besigye, questioning why Uganda would prosecute him for alleged possession of an illegal firearm in Kenya. Besigye’s family has since denied the accusations, asserting that he has not owned a firearm in over 20 years.
“This is confusing, even as a lawyer. The government owes this country an explanation on how such incidents are allowed to happen,” Ssenyonyi concluded.
Speaker Among emphasized the need for transparency, tasking the government to provide a comprehensive report on the matter to Parliament, including Kenya’s role in the alleged abduction and the legal implications for EAC relations.
