The sight of Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and leading opposition figure, visibly frail and struggling to breathe at Buganda Road court in Kampala on Friday, is a damning indictment of Uganda’s justice system.

Besigye’s weakened state, reportedly due to a hunger strike protesting his unlawful detention, has sparked outrage and raised urgent questions about the government’s commitment to the rule of law. Despite a Supreme Court order for his release, Besigye remains behind bars, flagrantly violating both Ugandan law and international human rights standards. This is not just a political issue—it is a moral crisis exposing the erosion of democracy under President Yoweri Museveni’s regime.

Uganda’s judiciary has been systematically undermined by executive interference. Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that civilians cannot be tried in military courts—a landmark decision for justice. President Museveni responded that the country was not being ruled by Judges but guerrillas-he led through a civil from 1980 until he seized government in 1986.

Besigye’s continued detention on military charges makes a mockery of the Supreme Court ruling. By defying the court, the government violates Article 28 of Uganda’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair trial, and Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which prohibits arbitrary detention. Uganda’s actions betray its legal and international obligations.

The government’s claim that Besigye is in “good health” and not on a hunger strike is a blatant attempt to mislead the public. Eyewitness accounts from his associates paint a starkly different picture, describing him as weak and struggling to breathe. This contradiction raises serious concerns about the transparency of Uganda’s prison system. If the authorities have nothing to hide, why deny independent medical assessments? The refusal suggests a deliberate effort to conceal the truth and suppress dissent.

Besigye’s detention is a chilling reminder of the shrinking space for political opposition in Uganda. By targeting him, the government sends a clear message: challenge the status quo, and face harsh reprisals. This strategy is not only undemocratic but also dangerously shortsighted.

The international community must join Ugandans to act. Uganda’s actions violate both domestic and international law. The African Union and the United Nations must hold Uganda accountable for its disregard of judicial independence and political freedoms. Besigye’s imprisonment is not just an attack on one man—it is an assault on democracy and justice. Allowing such impunity sets a dangerous precedent for authoritarian regimes globally.

On January 9, former National unity Platform Kawempe North Member of Parliament Mohammed Ssegirinya died. The public blamed a judge Lawrence Tweyanze for being used by the state to deny Ssegirinya bail to seek specialised medical care. Dr. Kizza Besigye’s lawyer Erias Lukwago has called for the release Besigye to enable him get medical attention to no heed. The chief of the Uganda Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba insists Kiiza Besigye will leave Luzira Prison in coffin- scenario that could cause chaos if it did happen. Release Dr Besigye to deter chaos and honor the Supreme Court’s ruling.

The writer is a journalist and human rights activist

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This ruling was a landmark decision that aimed to protect civilians from being tried in military courts for certain crimes, such as illegal possession of firearms.

Museveni’s defiance is not surprising, given his history of disregarding the law and the judiciary. He has previously referred to the Constitution as a “mere piece of paper” and has told off the Judiciary, stating that the “country does not belong to judges and lawyers”.

The President’s argument is that the military court system is essential to the country’s security and stability. He claims that it has been effective in dealing with armed criminals and ensuring the safety of the people.

However, this argument is flawed, as it undermines the principle of civilian oversight and the protection of human rights.

Museveni’s stance has been met with criticism from various quarters, including the Uganda Law Society, which has welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling.

The Society’s President, Isaac Ssemakadde, has emphasized the need for immediate compliance with the court’s directive and has urged the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies to release civilians currently held for trial in military courts.

The implications of Museveni’s defiance are far-reaching. It sets a dangerous precedent, where the Executive can disregard the judiciary and the rule of law. This undermines the principles of democracy and the protection of human rights.

Already, Ugandans via social media platforms are calling on the international community and local stakeholders to continue to pressure the Ugandan government to respect the rule of law and protect human rights.

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