Museveni blocks church mass for jailed opposition leader Besigye
Ugandan President Blocks Church Mass for Opposition Figure
Ugandan President Blocks Church Mass for Opposition Figure
On Mon, Nov 10, 2024, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni intervened to block a church mass intended to honor opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who has been detained since 2024 on treason charges. This information was confirmed by Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, who is also the executive director of UNAIDS.
Besigye was reportedly abducted in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024 and subsequently appeared before a military court in Uganda. Byanyima stated that the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, received a call from President Museveni requesting the cancellation of the mass, citing political concerns and the need for further investigation.
Besigye, a long-time political adversary of Museveni and his former personal doctor, has been imprisoned for approximately 15 months and has had health issues during his incarceration. His bail requests have been repeatedly denied.
This information was confirmed by Besigye's wife, Winnie Byanyima, who is also the executive director of UNAIDS.
The mass was scheduled to take place at Rubaga Cathedral in Kampala, intended as a prayer service for Besigye's health and release. However, it was called off despite the presence of some attendees. Byanyima criticized the action, indicating it infringes on the right to worship.
The context of Besigye's detention has raised concerns among human rights organizations and the Ugandan opposition, who associate his arrest with the recent presidential elections. Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, contested the elections for the seventh time amid reports of a total internet blackout and the repression of opposition activities.
In related developments, the Ugandan military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba—Museveni's son—publicly endorsed the reported killing of 30 opposition members and the arrest of 2,000 others following the election. Bobi Wine, Museveni's main opponent in the election, remains in hiding.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
