The Crisis of Political Prisoners in Uganda

Dr. Kizza Besigye, Uganda’s long-time opposition leader and democracy activist, is currently languishing in prison under horrific conditions. Despite a ruling by Uganda’s Supreme Court that trying civilians in military courts is unconstitutional, Mr. Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, continue to undermine the rule of law. Political prisoners, including Besigye, remain illegally detained, subjected to inhumane treatment, and deprived of their fundamental rights. As of today, Besigye is on a hunger strike, his health deteriorating rapidly, yet the illegitimate regime refuses to release him.

A Government Built on Bloodshed and Repression

The Museveni regime has long been synonymous with violence, extrajudicial killings, and unsolved political assassinations. From the killings of opposition figures, activists, and journalists to the mysterious disappearances of regime critics, Ugandans have witnessed decades of bloodshed orchestrated by those in power. The notorious torture chambers of the military intelligence (CMI) and Special Forces Command (SFC), often linked to Muhoozi Kainerugaba, continue to detain, brutalize, and silence dissenters.

Thousands of Ugandans have fled into exile, seeking asylum in countries across the world. Many live in fear, unable to return home due to the regime’s persistent persecution. Meanwhile, those within Uganda who dare to speak up against the dictatorship face arbitrary arrests, torture, and even assassination.

International Outcry Needed: Where Are Human Rights Defenders?

It is time for the world to take a firm stand against Museveni’s reign of terror. We call upon the following human rights organizations and activists to take immediate action:

Human Rights Organizations:

Amnesty International (@amnesty)

Human Rights Watch (@hrw)

United Nations Human Rights (@unhumanrights)

International Criminal Court (@IntlCrimCourt)

African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (@achpr_cadhp)

Global Activists and Leaders:

Malala Yousafzai (@Malala)

Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg)

Angela Davis

Noam Chomsky

Cornel West

Barack Obama (@BarackObama)

Pope Francis (@Pontifex)

A Call to Action: Demand Justice for Uganda

The international community must demand:

1. The immediate release of Dr. Kizza Besigye and all political prisoners.

2. An end to torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances.

3. Sanctions against Museveni, his son Muhoozi, and all security officials responsible for human rights violations.

4. A full-scale international investigation into the political assassinations linked to the Museveni family.

5. Protection and resettlement programs for Ugandan asylum seekers fleeing persecution.

Uganda cannot continue to be ruled by a regime that disregards human dignity, democracy, and the rule of law. The time for international silence is over. It is time for action.

#FreeBesigye #StopMuseveni #HumanRightsUganda #JusticeForUganda

Alexander Luyima