The Member of Parliament for Bukonzo West, Godfrey Atkins Katusabe, has begun a hunger strike to protest the ongoing detention of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Speaking to his fellow lawmakers, Katusabe stated that he would refrain from eating and drinking until Besigye is freed, voicing his serious concerns about the nation celebrating Easter while a key individual is still imprisoned.
Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time candidate for the presidency and former military officer, was detained in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024. He was later extradited to Uganda, where he faced charges of treason and illegal firearm possession in a military court. However, Uganda’s Supreme Court later ruled that the military court proceedings were unconstitutional, resulting in his case being moved to a civilian court.
In February 2025, Besigye was officially charged with treason in the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court. The prosecution claims that between 2023 and November 2024, Besigye and his associates conspired to topple the Ugandan government using armed force, with operations taking place in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala. Besigye has refuted all allegations and asserts that his arrest and prosecution are driven by political motives.
While in detention, Besigye undertook a hunger strike to protest his treatment and the conditions he faced while imprisoned. He concluded the strike after his case was transferred to a civilian court, although concerns regarding his health continue to exist.
MP Katusabe’s hunger strike highlights the increasing domestic pressure on the Ugandan government concerning Besigye’s detention. Meanwhile, some legislators, including Busia Municipality MP Geoffrey Macho, contend that Besigye’s release is contingent on higher authorities, while Katusabe argues that persistent public and legislative advocacy is crucial.
The situation has garnered international scrutiny, with human rights groups demanding a fair trial and expressing worry over the use of military courts for civilian matters. As Uganda heads toward its next general elections, the management of Besigye’s case is expected to stay a central topic in conversations about political freedom and the rule of law in the nation.
