The Speaker of Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among has directed the government of Uganda to present a detailed report on the circumstances surrounding the arrest of opposition leader Retired. Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, less known Mr. Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, in Nairobi, Kenya. The pair was later arraigned before Uganda’s General Court Martial last week.
“I have instructed the Minister for Internal Affairs to provide a report on [Dr. Besigye’s arrest]. However, as of yesterday [Monday], I received a letter from Hon [Gen David] Muhoozi informing me that he will be out of the country until Friday. The statement should therefore be presented on the floor next Tuesday,” Speaker Among stated.
The Speaker’s directive followed concerns raised by Kira Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, who expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the leader of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) was apprehended.
“Dr. Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya were abducted from Riverside Apartment in Nairobi, where they were attending a meeting. They were driven across the border without undergoing immigration procedures on either the Kenyan or Ugandan side. His passport, national ID, wallet, and other belongings were left at his hotel,” Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju told Parliament.
He further noted that news of Dr. Besigye’s disappearance surfaced three days after the incident, and on November 20, he was presented before the Military Court Martial. “He was charged with owning two pistols and holding meetings abroad aimed at undermining Uganda’s security,” Hon.. Ssemujju added.
Hon. Ssemujju urged Parliament to condemn the arrest, highlighting widespread criticism from international organizations, including the United Nations, human rights defenders, and the Uganda Human Rights Commission. He also questioned Kenya’s commitment to East African Community values.
In her ruling, the Speaker Hon. Anita Among reiterated her demand for a comprehensive government report through the Ministry of Internal Affairs by next Tuesday.
Government Responds
In response, Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Obua dismissed Hon. Ssemujju’s call for condemnation, insisting that evidence against Dr. Kizza Besigye would be presented in court.
“The matter is before a court established under the UPDF Act. Dr. Besigye was arrested, charged, and remanded to Luzira Prison. It would be premature for Parliament to condemn the arrest before the court process concludes,” Mr. Obua said.
He advised Ugandans to “play within the rules” to avoid legal repercussions. We await the outcomes of the speaker's directive on Tuesday next week.
