Summary:
Dr. Joseph Tindyebwa, National Vice Chairperson of UPASU, declared that “enough is enough,” demanding that President Museveni release the renowned human rights and democracy activist from what he describes as continuous illegal detention and humiliation.
KAMPALA: The University Professional and Academic Staff Union (UPASU) in Uganda has petitioned President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to immediately release four-time presidential candidate Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye, whose health is reportedly deteriorating in detention at Luzira Prison.
In a formal notice of protest, Dr. Joseph Tindyebwa, National Vice Chairperson of UPASU, declared that “enough is enough,” demanding that President Museveni release the renowned human rights and democracy activist from what he describes as continuous illegal detention and humiliation.
Dr. Tindyebwa emphasized that this must be done no later than today, February 17, 2025.
Dr. Tindyebwa stated that the government’s oppressive actions against Dr. Besigye, a patriot who sacrificed his profession to fight against the dictatorial regimes of former Presidents Idi Amin and Milton Obote, are unacceptable and deeply regrettable.
He urged Uganda’s legitimate governance institutions to take a stand against the ongoing misgovernance and oppression of citizens with differing political opinions.
He condemned the practice of detaining individuals on fabricated charges, leading to deaths and inhumane conditions in Ugandan prisons.
“These are dark times for Uganda, reminiscent of the era that ended 46 years ago with the fall of Amin’s regime. FREE Dr. Kizza Besigye and all other political prisoners,” he declared.
To:
H.E. The President of the Republic of Uganda
Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda
RE: Appeal by the Ugandan Academia Fraternity Teachers, Tutors, Lecturers, and Professors under the University Professional and Academic Staff Union (UPASU)
We, the academic and labor union fraternity in Uganda—comprising members from both private and public universities—stand as ardent advocates for human rights and freedoms, regardless of political affiliations.
Today, we rise in protest against the continued illegal detention of our fellow senior citizen, Ugandan professional, and democracy activist, Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye.
This notice of protest and heartfelt demonstration seeks to amplify the voices of discontented Ugandans across the nation. We state unequivocally that enough is enough and demand that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni immediately release Dr. Besigye from unjust imprisonment and degradation no later than today, February 17, 2025.
We can no longer remain silent in the face of the government’s impunity and oppressive actions against a patriot who once risked his profession and life to fight dictatorship. It is deeply regrettable that his reward for such sacrifices is continued persecution.
The continued detention of Dr. Besigye violates universal human rights as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the African Union, the East African Community, and the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
These fundamental rights are being grossly abused by those subjecting him to illegal trial and imprisonment.
The repercussions of authoritarian rule are never beneficial to us as academic professionals, nor to the broader Ugandan workforce.
We refuse to remain silent and instead join our fellow Ugandans in condemning and speaking out against the dangerous trajectory of poor governance currently being pursued in Uganda.
We call upon Uganda’s legitimate governance institutions to take decisive action to end this pattern of misgovernance and oppression.
Too many Ugandans with differing political opinions have been detained on fabricated charges, many have died, and others have been suffocated in prison under inhumane conditions.
These are dark times for Uganda, mirroring the oppression of past regimes. We demand the immediate release of Dr. Kizza Besigye and all other political prisoners.
On behalf of all men and women of reason who are members of registered trade unions in Uganda—specifically the University Professional and Academic Staff Union (UPASU)—we stand firm in our call for justice.
By Dr. Joseph Tindyebwa National Vice Chairperson University Professional and Academic Staff Union (UPASU)
