Uganda’s Besigye to Spend Another Christmas Behind Bars.
Winnie Byanyima, wife of detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, has condemned the decision to ban prisoners from receiving visitors on Christmas Day, describing it as a cruel and inhumane measure.
Prison authorities announced that the restriction, starting on Christmas Eve and lasting seven days, was intended to prevent potential security lapses during the festive season.
Besigye, 68, faces charges in a military court for possession of pistols and alleged attempts to procure weapons abroad, accusations he denies.
His trial, delayed until January, leaves his family’s hopes of a Christmas reunion dashed. Alongside Besigye, his aide Obeid Lutale also faces similar charges, which both have refuted.
Family’s Protest and Concerns
Byanyima, head of the UN’s HIV/AIDS program, stated her intention to camp outside Luzira Prison to see her husband and deliver food. She reported that Besigye, detained in a tiny cell behind six gates, remains strong and resilient.
However, she expressed fears for his safety and vowed not to leave food at the gate as instructed by authorities, citing mistrust. She suggested she might sleep outside the prison if necessary.
Byanyima also raised concerns about recent leadership changes at Luzira Prison, questioning why a young and inexperienced official was appointed. She suspected the move might compromise her husband’s safety and pledged to visit him frequently to ensure his well-being.
Frank Baine Mayanja, spokesperson for Uganda Prisons Services, explained that the seven-day visitor ban aimed to prevent prison breaks, citing heightened excitement among inmates during Christmas.
He dismissed Byanyima’s fears, urging her to trust the authorities, whom he assured were capable of safeguarding Besigye.
Initially, prison authorities had announced a month-long ban on visits but later reduced it to a week. Mayanja also stated that changes in prison leadership were routine administrative decisions unrelated to Besigye’s detention.
History of Political Persecution and Christmas Behind Bars
This marks the second time Besigye has spent Christmas Behind Bars. In 2005, he was arrested on treason charges while returning from a political rally.
The charges were dismissed, along with separate rape allegations, which Besigye attributed to political persecution.
Over the past two decades, he has been a prominent opponent of President Yoweri Museveni, contesting and losing four presidential elections.
Besigye recently returned to headlines following his abduction in Kenya and forced transfer to Uganda. He has since objected to being tried in a military court, arguing that as a civilian, he should face trial in a civilian court.
Museveni, however, defends the use of military courts for crimes involving firearms, claiming they ensure stability and expedite justice.
Despite a Constitutional Court ruling against the practice, hundreds of civilians in Uganda have been tried in military courts.
Political Climate in Uganda
Opposition parties have long criticized Museveni’s administration for suppressing political activity, alleging that he fears competition.
Museveni’s supporters counter that his nearly 40-year rule has brought stability to the nation.
Meanwhile, Besigye’s detention underscores the ongoing struggle between Uganda’s opposition and its entrenched leadership.
Uganda’s Besigye to Spend Another Christmas Behind Bars.
