Controversial Detention: Ugandan Opposition Leader Held in Military Jail

Prominent Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye was reportedly kidnapped at a Kenya book launch and transferred to a military jail in Kampala. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, urges his release. Besigye's detentions highlight growing concerns over human rights in the region.

Kizza Besigye, a stalwart of Ugandan opposition politics, was allegedly abducted during a book launch in Kenya. According to his wife, Winnie Byanyima, the incident occurred last weekend and has resulted in his being held at a military facility in Kampala.

Byanyima, who heads UNAIDS, has publicly called for her husband's immediate release, although she did not provide details of the alleged abduction. The Ugandan police have denied holding Besigye, and the military has not commented on the situation.

This event fuels existing concerns about human rights in Uganda, as echoed by Bobi Wine, another opposition leader. Both local and international observers have criticized the Ugandan government for various alleged human rights violations, adding tension to East Africa's political landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)