Besigye: Commonwealth calls for immediate release of Ugandan opposition leader

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of Ugandan opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale, and lawyer Eron Kiiza in Uganda’s prison facilities.

In a statement issued Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the Commonwealth boss called on Uganda, a member of the 56-nation group, to uphold democratic values and immediately release the detainees.

Scotland said Uganda, a long-standing member of the Commonwealth, is bound by the Commonwealth Charter, which upholds human rights, good governance, and the rule of law.

She, however, noted that the detention of Besigye and others contradicts a ruling by the Supreme Court of Uganda on January 31, 2025, and raises serious concerns about Uganda’s commitment to these values.

“We are therefore saddened and deeply troubled by the continued detention of Dr Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale and Eron Kiiza, which undermines the ruling of the Supreme Court of Uganda on 31 January 2025, and the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”

“The abduction of Dr Besigye and Obeid Lutale, which occurred in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, disregards the orders of the Supreme Court of Uganda and the basic principles of justice,” Scotland added, stressing that their continued detention undermines the rule of law and democratic principles within Uganda.

Additionally, the Commonwealth SG voiced alarm over reports of Besigye’s deteriorating health and urged the Ugandan government to provide him with the necessary medical attention. “We call for the immediate release of those who have been improperly detained. Along with the international community, we will continue to monitor the situation,” she emphasized.

Rt Hon Scotland reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting a peaceful resolution to the crisis, engaging both the Ugandan government and opposition leaders to ensure a democratic and inclusive political environment.

“The Commonwealth has always had a relationship based on trust with Uganda and looks forward to the return of a more inclusive and democratic political environment aligned with the Commonwealth Charter,” she concluded.

The detention of Dr Besigye, a former presidential candidate and vocal critic of the Museveni government, has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations and political figures calling for his release.

The Ugandan government has yet to respond to the Commonwealth’s statement.