Besigye Marks One Year in Prison, PFF Declare Prayer Week

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has commemorated one year since the arrest of Dr. Kizza Besigye and announced a week of prayer for all political prisoners in Uganda. 

Besigye was arrested on November 16, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside his aide, Obeid Lutale, and was later transferred to Luzira Maximum Security Prison in Uganda. He faces charges of possessing an illegal firearm and treason, which his lawyers claim are politically motivated.

The bail applications for Besigye and Lutale have repeatedly been rejected, with courts citing concerns that they might interfere with investigations or flee, alongside ongoing inquiries by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The case has raised national and international concerns about human rights, the rule of law, and the treatment of opposition figures. However, President Museveni and his government maintain that Besigye must face the law if evidence exists.

Addressing journalists at the Katonga PFF headquarters, Erias Lukwago, PFF Acting President, accompanied by other party leaders, announced the week of prayers for all peace-loving Ugandans, including presidential candidates. “I urge all peace-loving Ugandans, including presidential candidates and those at all levels, to hold a prayer before proceeding with the campaign rally. This is not a call for opposition supporters only, but for all peace-loving Ugandans,” Lukwago said.

PFF also called on the judiciary to uphold justice as mandated by the Constitution, rather than being complicit in crimes against citizens.

Further, the party urged the international community and the United Nations to take action against crimes against humanity in Uganda and other East African countries.

Lukwago criticized the judiciary for lacking fairness in Besigye’s legal battles. While the Supreme Court previously ruled that the General Court Martial was unconstitutional, transferring the case to a civilian court, multiple applications for Besigye’s constitutional rights have been denied.

“Justice Emmanuel Baguma, who wasn’t initially assigned to the case, has demonstrated bias, ruling that Besigye’s detention under the General Court Martial doesn’t count, and denying him mandatory bail,” Lukwago said. 

He added that filings before the East African Court of Justice and the Kenyan High Court have so far yielded little progress, with hearings either unscheduled or postponed to February next year. “This is how frustrating the legal battle has been. In the past year, not a single court has ruled in our favour. No state or non-state agency has come to Dr. Besigye’s rescue. This shows that the country is under state capture,” Lukwago said. 

The PFF noted that Besigye’s absence from politics is deeply felt, with many Ugandans wondering what he would be doing if free, especially during key political events.

Following the briefing, PFF leaders proceeded to Luzira Prison for a prayer session with Besigye and Lutale, despite heavy security along Katonga Road. Besigye, Lutale, and UPDF Captain Denis Oola face treason charges for allegedly plotting to overthrow the government. Prosecutors allege the trio held meetings in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala to solicit funds, acquire weapons, and organise paramilitary operations.

The state claims Besigye met a Kurdish intelligence agent identified as “Andrew Wilson (AW)” and received $5,000 to facilitate military training for 36 Ugandan recruits in Kenya, who were intercepted before training. Prosecutors further allege that Besigye sought surface-to-air missiles, ricin poison, counterfeit currency, and planned to use drones to assassinate President Museveni. 

Evidence cited includes audio and video recordings, social media messages, immigration documents, and phone logs. Besigye, Lutale, and Captain Oola are scheduled to appear before Criminal Division Judge Baguma on December 4, 2025, for plea-taking and trial scheduling after multiple attempts to block the trial failed.