KAMPALA – Major General (RTD) Mugisha Muntu, leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), has strongly condemned the Ugandan government’s handling of Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye’s arrest.
Muntu expressed his outrage on Twitter, stating, “The madness continues. Arrested in Kenya. No extradition processes followed between the two Countries. Paraded in a military court. The set of actions are packed with so many illegalities & reckless abandon of all principles of justice. Don’t push our Countries over the precipice.”
Muntu’s comments come after Besigye, leader of the Uganda Peoples’ Front for Freedom, and co-accused Hajji Obed Lutale were remanded to Luzira prison on security and firearms charges. The two were arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16 and extradited to Uganda, facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and conspiring to undermine Uganda’s security.
Prosecutors allege they held meetings in Athens, Greece, Geneva, Switzerland, and Nairobi to mobilize resources against Uganda’s security.
Besigye and Lutale denied the charges, with their lawyer, Elias Lukwago, arguing that the court martial lacks jurisdiction since the alleged offenses occurred outside Uganda. Lukwago also questioned the legality of their extradition, stating that the two entered Kenya legally and did not break any laws. The case was adjourned until December 2 for mention and ruling.
This marks Besigye’s second court martial, following a 2006 treason case that was later dropped. Muntu’s statement emphasizes the alleged illegalities surrounding Besigye’s arrest and the need for the government to respect principles of justice. The situation has sparked concerns about the rule of law and democracy in Uganda.
