The Commonwealth has publicly called for the immediate release of Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye, marking a significant international intervention into Uganda's political landscape. This development comes amid growing concerns over democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Uganda.
Kizza Besigye, a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has been detained on charges including illegal firearms possession. His detention, which has now extended to nearly three months, has been under scrutiny both domestically and internationally.
Besigye, previously abducted from Kenya and brought back to Uganda, has been held in a military facility, a practice that has raised numerous legal and human rights issues.
The Commonwealth's call for his release was vocalized by Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, who emphasized that Besigye's continued detention undermines the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, principles central to the Commonwealth Charter.
This statement is particularly notable as Uganda is a member of the 56-nation Commonwealth group, which evolved from the British Empire and now focuses on promoting democracy, human rights, and economic development among its members.
Besigye's health has also become a focal point of international concern. Reports indicate that he went on a hunger strike, leading to his brief hospitalization, which President Museveni described as an attempt to garner sympathy for bail, dismissing any serious health concerns.
This response from Museveni has only intensified the criticism from human rights organizations and opposition groups, who see Besigye's treatment as a sign of hardening authoritarianism, especially with the next elections on the horizon.
The Ugandan government's response has been largely defensive, with officials like Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi that all actions are taken within the legal framework of Uganda. However, critics argue that this framework is being manipulated to suppress opposition and dissent.
This intervention by the Commonwealth is a rare but significant move, underscoring the global community's willingness to hold member states accountable to shared values, especially in cases where those values are visibly under threat.
The situation with Besigye is now a litmus test for Uganda's commitment to the Commonwealth Charter and its principles of democracy and human rights.