Kizza Besigye Files Lawsuit Against Kenya and Uganda Over Alleged Abduction
Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye and his political ally, Hajj Obeid Lutale, have filed a case at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) against Kenya and Uganda.
This legal move stems from their alleged abduction in Nairobi on November 16, followed by their forceful return to Uganda.
In the case filed on December 4, Besigye argues that he was unlawfully seized and subjected to trial in a Ugandan military court, which he claims violates both international and constitutional law.
“Trying civilians in military courts is unlawful,” Besigye stated, while also criticizing Kenya for failing to uphold its constitutional obligation to safeguard those within its borders.
The abduction reportedly involved Ugandan military personnel, allegedly with Kenyan authorities’ cooperation, in what Besigye’s legal team has described as an “extraterritorial abduction.” According to Winnie Byanyima, Besigye’s wife, the opposition leader and Lutale were forcefully tied up, thrown into a vehicle, and sat on during their transfer to Kampala. “The abduction was violent and degrading,” Byanyima said while raising concerns about the rights violations.
The petition argues that the abduction breached human rights and violated both the Constitution of Kenya and the East African Treaty. Besigye’s lawyers maintain that the act undermines international legal principles and sets a dangerous precedent.
The EACJ has instructed the Attorneys General of both Uganda and Kenya to respond to the petition within 45 days. If they fail, the case will proceed without their input.
The opposition leader was subsequently detained in Uganda and remanded in prison until December 2, 2024, pending trial on charges related to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The charges allegedly involve incidents across multiple countries, further complicating the case.
Besigye’s trial in Uganda has faced procedural delays, particularly regarding his legal representation. Meanwhile, the abduction incident has drawn widespread criticism, with activists calling it a violation of regional treaties and fundamental freedoms.
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Kizza Besigye Files Lawsuit Against Kenya and Uganda Over Alleged Abduction
