Human rights activists, lawyers and medical practitioners in East Africa called on the Ugandan government Tuesday to release opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who has spent the past three months in military detention.

Kizza Besigye, a former ally turned rival of longtime President Yoweri Museveni, went on a hunger strike Feb. 10 in protest at his detention

Uganda's government on Sunday said it would drop a military trial against opposition figurehead Kizza Besigye, urging him to give up his hunger strike in jail, a minister said.

Ugandan opposition leader and four-time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye appears in a civilian court in Kampala, Uganda Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Hajarah Nalwadda)

A prominent opposition figure jailed in Uganda for allegedly threatening state security is unwell and in need of urgent medical care, his attorney said Thursday. Four-time presidential candidate Kizza Besigye,

Veteran Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye has been charged with treason in a civilian court after his controversial case was transferred from a military tribunal. Treason is a capital offence in Uganda and if found guilty the 68-year-old cold be sentenced to death.

Uganda has reversed a controversial plan to hold a military trial for a prominent opposition leader due to his failing health. Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi announced late on Sunday that Kizza Besigye would have his case transferred to a civilian court.