Katikkiro Mayiga Calls on Government to Uphold Rule of Law and Human Rights

The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged the Ugandan government to uphold democracy and respect the fundamental rights of all citizens. His call comes amid growing concerns over the continued detention of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, despite his deteriorating health and repeated requests for specialized medical treatment.

Speaking today at Bulange, Mengo, Katikkiro Mayiga emphasized that justice must be served in accordance with the law, and all citizens—regardless of their political affiliations—must be treated fairly. “The principles of democracy, justice, and human dignity must be safeguarded at all costs. A government that respects the rule of law strengthens its legitimacy and fosters national stability,” he stated.

His remarks follow a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court on January 31, which declared that the General Court Martial lacks jurisdiction over civilian cases. This decision led to the transfer of multiple case files from the military court to civilian judicial institutions. Among these was Dr. Kizza Besigye’s case, which was heard at Nakawa Court today. However, instead of securing his release, Besigye was remanded once again, further igniting calls for judicial fairness and human rights protection.

Katikkiro Mayiga’s statement adds to the mounting pressure on the government to respect legal processes and uphold constitutional freedoms. Civil society organizations and political activists have also echoed similar sentiments, urging authorities to comply with court directives and respect international human rights standards.

As Uganda grapples with concerns over political repression and judicial independence, Mayiga’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of justice and accountability in governance. Whether the government will heed his call remains to be seen.