Ugandan Judge Denies Opposition Leader Besigye's Release Amid Health Concerns

Kizza Besigye, a prominent Ugandan opposition leader, remains in prison despite worsening health, as a judge denied his release request. Besigye, who has challenged President Yoweri Museveni multiple times, faces serious charges including treason and illegal firearms possession, and has been on a hunger strike protesting his detention. The Commonwealth has called for his release, stating that his continued incarceration undermines democracy and human rights in Uganda. Museveni dismissed concerns about Besigye's health, accusing him of using the hunger strike as a tactic to gain public sympathy. Human rights organizations have expressed alarm over the treatment of Besigye and others facing military trials, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling declaring such trials unconstitutional. Critics argue that Besigye's detention is indicative of the government's increasing authoritarianism ahead of the upcoming elections in 2026.