Violation of Human Rights in Uganda intensifies with arrest of Opposition Figures and Legal Representatives
Moses Sentamu 
Uganda’s Human Rights landscape continues to deteriorate, exemplified by the recent arrest of veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and the subsequent imprisonment of his lawyer, Eron Kiiza, without formal charges.
Dr. Besigye, a prominent critic of President Yoweri Museveni, was abducted from Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024 and forcibly returned to Uganda without going through any legal processes. He now faces charges in a military court, including allegations of seeking foreign military support to destabilize Uganda and possession of an illegal firearm—charges he vehemently denies.
During a court session on January 7, 2025, Eron Kiiza, part of Dr. Besigye’s defense team, was arrested inside the courtroom and swiftly sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Prison for contempt of court. This incident led to a boycott by the defense team, including Kenya’s former justice minister Martha Karua and Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, who refused to proceed in Kiiza’s absence.
These events have drawn international condemnation, with human rights organizations expressing concern over Uganda’s disregard for due process and the rule of law. The abduction of Dr. Besigye from a foreign country and the imprisonment of his lawyer without formal charges highlight the escalating suppression of political dissent in Uganda.
The Ugandan government has faced prolonged criticism for human rights abuses against opposition parties, including illegal detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Despite these allegations, officials have consistently denied any wrongdoing.
As the situation unfolds, there is growing concern about the future of democratic freedoms and human rights in Uganda. The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, urging the Ugandan government to uphold the principles of justice and human rights.
The writer is a Journalist
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