Supporters of Uganda’s opposition figure Dr. Kiiza Besigye celebrated his 69th birthday in Kabale with a peaceful gathering, despite his detention on treason related charges.
(Kabale) – Supporters of Uganda’s opposition leader, retired Colonel Dr. Kiiza Besigye, marked his 69th birthday on Tuesday with a gathering in the town of Kabale, even as he remains incarcerated on serious criminal charges.
Unlike the many who chose to express their birthday wishes through digital platforms, residents of Kabale opted for a physical show of solidarity. The event took place at a roundabout in Bugongi, a neighborhood in the Northern Division of Kabale Municipality. The gathering was led by key local members of the People’s Front for Transition (PFF), including district chairman Gideon Tumwesigye, Konrad Kimonge, and Saul Kagyema Magyani.
According to Tumwesigye, the celebration was more than a birthday party. “This is not just a birthday celebration. It’s a message,” he told observers at the event. “We stand with Besigye. The charges against him are fabricated, and we will not be silenced.”
Besigye, who has long been a prominent critic of the ruling government, is currently facing charges of treachery and illegal possession of firearms—accusations that his supporters view as politically motivated. His arrest and detention have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with many opposition figures and citizens decrying what they call state repression.
The Kabale gathering featured a birthday cake, soft drinks, and chants of support, all conducted in a peaceful manner. Local residents passing by were drawn to the scene, many stopping to witness the unusual public display of political unity.
Kimonge, one of the local PFF leaders, reiterated that the celebration was intended to be a peaceful protest. “This is a silent voice of defiance,” he said. “It shows that we do not forget our leaders when they are targeted for standing up.”
Magyani added that the event also aimed to remind Ugandans of the enduring influence of Besigye, whose decades-long involvement in the country’s political opposition continues to inspire grassroots movements despite his absence from active political spaces due to repeated arrests.
The visual impact of the gathering in a district far from the capital highlighted how Besigye’s presence remains strong across Uganda. The cake cutting ceremony and the distribution of refreshments may have seemed simple, but to those in attendance, they carried significant political meaning.
Key Figures at Kabale Celebration
| Name | Role in PFF | Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Gideon Tumwesigye | Kabale District Chairman | “This is not just a birthday. It’s a message.” |
| Konrad Kimonge | Local PFF Leader | “This is a silent voice of defiance.” |
| Saul Kagyema Magyani | Community Organizer | “We do not forget our leaders.” |
Besigye’s legal team has not issued an official update on his case in recent days. However, opposition activists continue to raise awareness, both domestically and internationally, arguing that his arrest is part of a wider campaign to suppress dissent.
While the event in Kabale involved no incidents and remained peaceful, it has added to growing calls from various parts of the country for greater transparency in Besigye’s legal proceedings.
