People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Secretary General Harold Kaija has described the continued survival of detained opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye as a “miracle,” while accusing authorities of subjecting him to a prolonged legal and political ordeal.
Kaija, in a strongly worded statement, said Besigye’s continued survival was evidence that his life remained in God’s hands despite what he portrayed as attempts to eliminate him.
Besigye has been in detention as he faces treason-related charges, with his case attracting sustained attention from opposition politicians, lawyers and rights activists.
Kaija alleged that Besigye was deliberately targeted after what he described as a trap set in Nairobi on November 16, 2024. He claimed the opposition leader was initially targeted through a purported investment meeting before the plan allegedly shifted to his abduction and subsequent prosecution in Uganda.
According to Kaija, Besigye was first subjected to proceedings before a military court before the Supreme Court later ruled against the trial of civilians in military courts.
He also cited the role of several lawyers and political leaders who, he said, intervened in Besigye’s case. Kaija alleged that lawyers Major (Rtd) Eron Kiiza and Ojuli faced imprisonment while representing or supporting Besigye.
The PFF official further criticised decisions relating to Besigye’s applications for bail, claiming that the opposition leader had been denied freedom despite meeting conditions that would ordinarily justify release.
Kaija particularly criticised Justice Lawrence Tweyanze Baguma, accusing him of repeatedly denying Besigye bail and disregarding constitutional and legal safeguards. These claims have not been independently established in Kaija’s statement.
He also referred to an incident in court during which Besigye reportedly collapsed, alleging that he was left without medical attention for several hours.
Kaija claimed the circumstances surrounding the proceedings were intended to weaken Besigye’s defence by restricting access to lawyers of his choice.
He characterised the case as more than a legal proceeding, saying it had become a broader message to Ugandans and the political opposition.
“God controls life,” Kaija said, maintaining that Besigye’s survival despite his prolonged detention demonstrated that his fate had not been determined by those pursuing the case.
The allegations come as Besigye’s continued detention remains a major issue for Uganda’s opposition, with supporters demanding due process and his release while authorities continue to pursue the charges against him.