Kabale Police Cracks Down on Protesters against Besigye’s “illegal” Detention
Kabale town was yesterday a scene of chaos as police fired tear gas to disperse protesters demanding the immediate release of detained opposition leader Rtd. Col Dr Kizza Besigye.
The protesters, comprising supporters from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party, National Unity Platform (NUP), and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), took to the streets, chanting “Free Dr. Kizza Besigye”.
Led by Gideon Tumwesigye, Kabale People’s Front for Freedom vice chairperson, Sheila Kyampeire, Kabale district NUP secretary, and Jessy Aine, Kabale district FDC chairperson, the protesters condemned the continued detention of Besigye and other opposition supporters. They also criticized religious leaders for their silence on the issue and issued an ultimatum, warning of further action if Besigye is not released soon.
The protesters, carrying placards, also stressed the need for Besigye’s release to receive quality medical care.
However, their march was cut short when police intercepted them with teargas, along the Kabale – Mbarara road near Albertine Hotel.
In the ensuing chaos, police arrested three protesters: Gideon Tumwesigye, the Kabale PFF vice chairperson; Leopold Tumwesigye the District LC.5 Councilor representing Central Division; and one Godfrey Tushabe, a member of the FDC party.
Kabale district Police Commander ASP Charles Okello confirmed the arrests, stating that the procession was illegal since police were not informed. He said that the protesters would be charged under the Public Order Management Act.
This came amidst growing concerns over Besigye’s health after photos of him appearing visibly ill in court surfaced on social media.
Besigye was arrested in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, and later remanded in Luzira Prison, facing trial at the General Court Martial for offenses related to security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling against trying civilians in Military Courts, the suspects have remained in custody, pending the transfer of their files to the Civilian courts. However, this has also been described as illegal and defiance against the Supreme Court ruling, by Besigye’s lawyers, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago.
On Feb. 21, 2025, Court remanded Besigye to Luzira Prison until March 7, 2025. This was after he was formally charged with treason alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale, and UPDF Captain Denis Oola.
According to the charge sheet, Besigye and his co-accused allegedly conspired to overthrow the Ugandan government by force of arms between 2023 and November 2024. They are accused of holding secret meetings in various countries, including Switzerland, Greece, and Kenya, to further their plot .
The prosecution also alleges that Besigye and his co-accused provided logistical support and facilitated Ugandan citizens to receive military and intelligence training in Kisumu, Kenya. They are also accused of soliciting financial and military assistance for their alleged coup .
