Kizza Besigye Begins Hunger Strike in Ugandan Detention

Kizza Besigye, Uganda's prominent opposition leader, has initiated a hunger strike to protest his prolonged detention at Luzira Prison, where he has been held since October 2022 on charges he denies. The 68-year-old politician, who has previously accused the Ugandan government of political persecution, faces accusations related to illegal possession of firearms and has been awaiting trial for nearly three months. His situation has sparked public concern and parliamentary debate, particularly following the dissemination of photos showing his frail condition. Besigye's trial was postponed until January, raising questions about the fairness of his detention. In a significant legal development, the Uganda Supreme Court ruled that civilians should not be tried in military courts, a decision that angered President Yoweri Museveni. Besigye's struggle highlights ongoing tensions between the government and opposition in Uganda, as well as issues surrounding human rights and judicial processes.