Kizza Besigye’s Wife Opens Up About His Arrest and Charges in Uganda.
Winnie Byanyima, the wife of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has detailed her husband’s abduction in Nairobi and his subsequent arraignment in a Kampala military court.
Besigye, who had traveled to Kenya for a book launch, was seized 11 days ago, transported to Uganda overnight, and charged with plotting to undermine national security. The charges also included unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, allegedly recovered in Nairobi.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s JKLive Show, Byanyima recounted the events leading up to the abduction. She explained that Besigye arrived in Nairobi on November 16 to attend a book launch by Martha Karua, the NARC-Kenya party leader and a close friend. The launch was set for November 17.
A Suspicious Meeting
Prior to the book launch, Besigye was reportedly invited by a British national to a meeting with individuals who claimed to support African political parties.
Byanyima noted that Besigye, accompanied by his party colleague Haji Obeid Utale, attended the meeting on Riverside Drive, Nairobi. The gathering was purportedly to discuss mass mobilization and political activities.
Byanyima described how the meeting took a dark turn. Shortly after introductions began, there was a knock on the door, and the group was informed that Kenyan police had arrived.
Alleged Set-Up
When the British national opened the door, eight plainclothes men entered. Besigye could not identify them, but they announced his arrest.
Byanyima narrated that her husband was startled to see the British national, who had invited him, carrying two guns and a box of money.
Besigye questioned the presence of these items, noting that while he had discussed fundraising, he had not expected this.
The British man disappeared soon after, leaving Besigye with his party colleague, a stranger, and the supposed policemen.
Byanyima revealed that the four men forcibly bundled Besigye and Utale into a car and drove them throughout the night towards the Ugandan border.
Overnight Transfer to Uganda
Byanyima described the journey, explaining that the men crossed into Uganda without stopping.
She added that during the drive near Nakuru, the abductors accidentally spoke in a language familiar to Besigye, prompting him to remark that they could have communicated more openly.
Once in Uganda, Besigye and Utale were detained and transported to a military jail. Byanyima emphasized that the abduction appeared to be a meticulously planned operation.
Detention and Court Charges
Byanyima reported that Besigye remains in high spirits despite the harsh prison conditions. She described how he sleeps on the floor in difficult circumstances but is staying strong. She criticized the decision to charge him in a military court, stating it was inappropriate since Besigye is a civilian.
To pacify public outrage, Besigye was remanded in a civilian prison. However, Byanyima condemned the entire process as unjust.
Kizza Besigye’s Wife Opens Up About His Arrest and Charges in Uganda.
