Commonwealth Demands Uganda Release Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye

The Commonwealth has urged Uganda to release opposition leader Kizza Besigye, emphasizing that his detention undermines democracy and human rights. Besigye, a long-time critic of President Museveni, is in custody for alleged illegal firearms possession and has gone on a hunger strike, raising international concerns.

The Commonwealth has issued a call for Uganda to release opposition politician Kizza Besigye, asserting that his detention compromises democracy and human rights within the nation. President Yoweri Museveni has downplayed concerns about Besigye's condition, labeling his hunger strike as an attempt to garner sympathy for bail.

Besigye, a longstanding critic of Museveni's regime, is facing charges in a military court, including illegal possession of firearms. His prosecution and incarceration have incited public unrest against the government. Last week, Besigye, 68, began a hunger strike and was briefly hospitalized, according to reports from an allied lawmaker.

Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, expressed that Besigye's detention undermines democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, marking a rare criticism of a member by the Commonwealth. The organization remains hopeful for a more inclusive political environment in Uganda, in alignment with the Commonwealth Charter.

(With inputs from agencies.)