Mon Feb 17 12:32:04 UTC 2025: ## Ugandan Opposition Leader Besigye’s Military Trial Moved to Civilian Court Amid Hunger Strike Illness

**Kampala, Uganda** – Prominent Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has been on a hunger strike in Luzira Maximum Security Prison, will have his case transferred to a civilian court, the government announced Sunday. The decision follows growing international concern over Besigye’s rapidly deteriorating health. His lawyer reported him to be “critically ill” due to the hunger strike, which he began last week in protest of his “illegal detention”.

Besigye, a long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, was arrested in November and initially faced a military trial for illegal firearm possession and threatening state security – a move condemned by Amnesty International as a “travesty of justice” and deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, accused the government of kidnapping him from Kenya. She expressed deep skepticism about a visit by Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi to Besigye in prison, calling the minister his “captor” rather than a concerned visitor.

Besigye’s frail appearance in court on Friday, where he was seen struggling to walk, fueled public outrage. He was subsequently rushed to a medical clinic in Kampala on Sunday. A relative described his condition as “not good.”

The government’s reversal on the military trial comes after significant public pressure and international criticism. While authorities have consistently denied accusations of human rights abuses, Besigye’s case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of political opponents in Uganda. Besigye has been arrested numerous times over the years for his outspoken opposition to President Museveni’s rule.

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