Photo credit: www.bbc.com
Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition leader in Uganda, has raised objections to being tried in a military tribunal, asserting his civilian status. His unusual detention while visiting Kenya two weeks ago has triggered significant outrage and sparked concerns about a possible covert intelligence exchange between Uganda and Kenya.
Besigye’s allies and family members have detailed alarming circumstances surrounding his meeting with alleged abductors posing as Kenyan security personnel. Reports indicate that he was under surveillance from the moment he boarded a flight in Uganda to Kenya’s capital of Nairobi, where he was later apprehended and transferred to a military court in Uganda without any formal extradition process.
While Kenyan authorities maintain that they were not complicit in the incident and are conducting an investigation, Uganda alleges that Kenya had prior knowledge of the operation, referencing intelligence communications aimed at locating Besigye.
As he prepares to appear before a military court in Kampala, it is important to delve into the details surrounding the events that led to his recent detention.
Background on Kizza Besigye
Kizza Besigye has a long history in Ugandan politics, having attempted to defeat President Yoweri Museveni in four presidential elections since Museveni came to power in 1986. Although he has been less politically active recently and did not run in the 2021 election, Besigye formed a new party, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), earlier this year after parting ways with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which he established two decades ago. Despite his challenges, Besigye has often frequented Kenya for various events, even as he remained a significant voice against Museveni’s regime.
The Circumstances of Besigye’s Disappearance
On November 16, Besigye traveled to Nairobi for the launch of a book by Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan opposition figure. After arriving in Nairobi, he quickly checked into a hotel in the upscale Hurlingham area with a close associate, Hajj Obeid Lutale. A few hours later, Besigye left the hotel for what was purported to be a private meeting a short distance away, but he was not seen again until days later when he surfaced in Uganda.
His taxi driver waited for him for over 12 hours, only leaving after being unable to reach him by phone. Alarmed by the situation, Besigye’s team in Uganda began to express concerns, which culminated in his wife, Winnie Byanyima, publicly declaring her husband had been “kidnapped” in Nairobi. The following day, Besigye’s vacant seat at the book launch drew further attention, raising concerns about his welfare.
The Details of His Abduction
Besigye was reportedly taken from a meeting where he was introduced to a Ugandan and a British national, who had connections with individuals interested in investing in the PFF. As the meeting progressed, armed individuals claiming to be Kenyan police entered and arrested both Besigye and Lutale. Despite Besigye’s insistence that he was not involved in any illegal activities, he and Lutale were forcibly transported under the cover of night towards the border with Uganda. Reports suggest that this operation appeared meticulously planned.
It is alleged that before crossing into Uganda, the abductors shifted from speaking Swahili to using Ugandan languages. Surprisingly, despite the lack of belongings including their passports, Besigye and Lutale were smuggled across the Malaba border post with little resistance.
The Rationale Behind His Arrest
Ugandan officials, including Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi, assert that there was substantive intelligence prompting the arrest of Besigye while in Kenya. The Ugandan government contends that authorities in Kenya facilitated the operation, despite Nairobi’s claims of ignorance regarding the situation. Besigye is facing charges in Uganda, which the military spokesperson stated are related to crimes allegedly committed against Ugandan sovereignty.
Besigye’s lawyer has contested the legality of his military trial, particularly in light of the alleged offenses being committed outside Uganda. The court proceedings against him are ongoing, with Besigye expressing reluctance to be tried by a military court, advocating instead for a civilian forum.
The Impact on Uganda-Kenya Relations
The operation has stirred speculation regarding the implications for relations between Uganda and Kenya. While Kenyan officials have been evasive, expressing a need for patience, Uganda’s government has reiterated that extensive intelligence sharing occurred. This incident has spawned protests in Uganda directed at the Kenyan embassy, as well as calls to boycott Kenyan products.
Given the history of recent enforced disappearances and abductions in Kenya, including the forced deportation of individuals targeted by the government, the case of Kizza Besigye exemplifies significant tensions in the region’s political landscape.
As developments unfold, the case highlights deep-seated challenges in Ugandan politics and raises critical questions about regional security cooperation and its implications for human rights and civil liberties in both nations.
Further Reading
Source
www.bbc.com