Ugandan Government Offers to Drop Military Trial of Kizza Besigye

Uganda’s government has offered to drop the military trial of opposition leaderKizza Besigye, who has been on a hunger strike since February 10 in protest of his detention.

The 68-year-old Besigye, a former ally of President Yoweri Museveni, is facing treason charges for allegedly threatening “national security.”

Despite the Supreme Court ruling that civilians should not be tried in military courts, the government had initially planned to proceed with a court martial.

However, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, cabinet spokesman Chris Baryomunsi announced that the government would transfer Besigye’s case to a civil court under the court’s ruling.

Baryomunsi, who visited Besigye in prison alongside his doctors, urged him to end his hunger strike while the transfer is processed.

The army, which had previously ignored the Supreme Court ruling, has yet to comment on the development.

Besigye’s health has raised alarm, with his wife, Winnie Byanyima, expressing deep concern for his condition.

Besigye was seen in court on Thursday looking frail, prompting calls from international organisations for the protection of political opposition in Uganda ahead of the 2026 elections.

Amnesty International condemned the trial as a “travesty of justice” and highlighted the increasing repression of political figures in the country.