Dr. Kizza Besigye, one of Uganda’s most prominent opposition leaders, is currently detained under controversial circumstances, driving the political narrative as the nation approaches the 2026 general elections. His continued incarceration is disrupting the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the party he once led and which is now striving to unify opposition forces amid growing tensions under President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing regime.
Besigye was abducted during a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, where he was attending the book launch of fellow opposition figure Martha Karua. The government then forcibly returned him to Uganda, where he faced military court accusations of treason, illegal possession of firearms, and soliciting foreign support to undermine national security. His abduction and subsequent treatment have raised serious concerns over the erosion of democratic norms and legal standards within the country.
Following widespread condemnation and legal challenges, the Uganda Supreme Court intervened on January 31, 2025, declaring the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional. Accordingly, Besigye’s case was transferred to the civilian court system. He formally received treason charges on February 21, 2025, with the potential for the death penalty looming over him. Critics of the government, including Besigye’s supporters, argue this is another attempt to silence dissent and keep Museveni, who has ruled for nearly 40 years, firmly entrenched.
Erias Lukwago, Besigye’s lawyer and the acting president of the FDC, expressed his concerns over the impact of Besigye’s detention on the opposition's electoral strategies: “We are dealing with a very difficult situation in Uganda. President Museveni and his family control all areas of government, and even Dr. Besigye’s incarceration is meant to derail our plans to participate in next year’s polls.” He emphasized the urgency for reform among opposition groups who are now considering how to navigate the complex political terrain.
Despite being physically weakened, as indicated by his gaunt appearance after resuming food intake following a hunger strike, Besigye's detention has invigorated the opposition’s resolve. “We had hoped he would be allowed to seek medication, but he remains frail,” Lukwago noted. “Unfortunately, he has not been granted access to medical doctors, which is his right under our Constitution.” Yet, the opposition is determined to adapt. Following internal rifts within the FDC, Lukwago launched the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) to promote unity among disparate political factions as they move forward.
The PFF seeks to formalize its political presence prior to the elections, aiming to consolidate signatures and promote collective action against Museveni’s government. “These are matters under consideration right after building a network,” Lukwago explained. “Just as our sister Martha here is transitioning from Narc-Kenya to PLF, we are also going through the same from the FDC to PFF.”
Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife and Executive Director of UNAIDS, has been at the forefront, condemning the legal process as politically motivated. She, along with numerous human rights organizations, believe the charges against her husband stem from his status as one of Museveni’s most persistent critics rather than from any legitimate legal grievances. “President Museveni claims he wanted to kill him—a charge his supporters dismiss as a ruse to keep him locked away,” stated Byanyima.
The backdrop of Besigye’s political persecution echoes Uganda's troubled history of opposition suppression, where leaders have been silenced through imprisonment or worse. Regimes, including Museveni’s, have strategically wielded fear to maintain control, repeating cycles of violence against dissenters reminiscent of Uganda’s past authoritarian governments. Museveni's administration, having adopted draconian measures against dissidents, is seen as following a familiar script of political repression.
Besigye’s long-standing rivalry with Museveni is not merely political. Both men hail from western Uganda, leading some to perceive their conflict as not just about power, but also about who holds sway over their shared regional heritage. Despite decades of conflict, Besigye's presence as the most prominent opposition figure remains significant as he challenges Museveni's grip on power.
With the political environment rapidly changing, Besigye’s detainment has starkly illuminated the desperate measures the ruling party may be willing to attempt to preserve its power before the elections. Notably, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has rapidly moved to amend military court regulations, conspiring to sidestep judicial rulings aimed at curtailing abusive practices.
Meanwhile, the Ugandan populace watches warily, aware of the historic consequences of political repression, with some of the deepest scars left by past regimes still fresh. The fear surrounding Besigye’s imprisonment acts as both a somber reminder of Uganda's political climate and a catalyst for opposition members to rally against such treatment.
His continued saga embodies not just the state of opposition politics but serves as a microcosm of Uganda's struggle for genuine democracy. The approaching election will be pivotal; as the opposition rallies to mount challenges against the ruling party, the outcome may significantly impact the future of governance and civil liberties within Uganda.