A viral video has emerged showing the legal team advocating for opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, headed by renowned lawyer Martha Karua, arriving at the Uganda Prisons Service Headquarters in Kampala. The team, accompanied by members of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), is calling for a meeting with the Commissioner General of Uganda Prisons, Johnson Byabashaija, to demand the immediate release of Dr. Besigye and his assistant, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
The urgency of their request comes after the landmark ruling from Uganda’s Supreme Court on January 31. The court ruled that civilians should not be tried in military court, a decision that has raised questions regarding the legality of Dr. Besigye and Lutale’s detention. The two opposition figures were previously held in military custody, and their trial by military court has been a contentious issue, sparking widespread calls for their release.
Martha Karua, who has been vocal in advocating for human rights and justice, has emerged as a key figure in this effort. Alongside her, the People’s Front for Freedom has rallied behind the cause, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law and protecting the rights of all Ugandans, regardless of their political affiliation.
The meeting request with Commissioner Byabashaija marks the latest development in the ongoing legal battle over the detention of Dr. Besigye and his assistant. Supporters argue that the Supreme Court’s decision should lead to an immediate cessation of military proceedings against them, while the Ugandan government faces mounting pressure to adhere to the judicial ruling and uphold the rights of its citizens.
As this high-profile case continues to unfold, all eyes remain on the authorities in Uganda to see whether they will comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling and secure the release of the opposition leader and his assistant.
By Nairobi