Activists Blocked by Police During Protest for Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Release

Tensions flared in the capital as police blocked a march organized by activists demanding the immediate release of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye. The protest, spearheaded by members of the newly emerging People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party, was short-lived as security forces swiftly intervened to halt the demonstration.

Among those leading the protest were former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Women’s League leader Ingrid Turinawe and Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura. The duo, alongside other activists, attempted to march through the city streets, chanting slogans and carrying placards calling for Besigye’s release from Luzira prison, where he has been detained under military court charges.

However, their efforts were quickly thwarted by police officers, who sealed off key roads and dispersed the gathering before it could gain momentum. Security forces cited concerns over public order and the lack of police clearance for the demonstration as reasons for their intervention.

Speaking shortly after being stopped, Ingrid Turinawe condemned the police action, accusing the government of suppressing freedom of expression.

“The government fears the people. That is why they won’t let us even walk peacefully to demand justice for Dr. Besigye and other political prisoners. But we shall not be silenced,” she said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura echoed similar sentiments, calling for continuous pressure to secure Besigye’s freedom.

“We are not asking for favors. We are demanding the respect of fundamental rights. Dr. Besigye’s detention is illegal, and his deteriorating health is proof that the state is punishing him for his political stance,” Nyanjura stated.

Dr. Kizza Besigye, a veteran opposition leader and former presidential candidate, has been in detention since November last year. He and his political ally, Haji Obeid Lutale, were kidnapped from Kenya and later charged in the General Court Martial for allegedly possessing firearms and engaging in treasonous activities. His continued imprisonment has sparked national and international calls for his release, with activists arguing that his detention violates the Supreme Court ruling, which declared that military courts cannot try civilians.

Despite repeated attempts by the opposition and human rights organizations to have Besigye transferred to a civilian court or granted bail, the government has remained unyielding.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders, including National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, have vowed to intensify efforts to pressure the state into freeing Besigye.

As police continue to clamp down on protests, activists have urged Ugandans to find alternative means to voice their displeasure, including social media campaigns and civil disobedience, to force authorities to act.

With Besigye’s health reportedly deteriorating due to his hunger strike, pressure is mounting on the government to address his detention. However, with police determined to shut down protests, the battle for his freedom remains an uphill task for activists and opposition supporters alike.