Ugandans and Kenyans have come together to call for the release of Uganda's opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
Besigye, 68, has been in police custody since an alleged abduction in November 2024, in Nairobi and has been charged in a military court with possession of pistols and attempting to purchase weapons abroad.
He has since denied the accusation.
The politician is currently on a hunger strike, demanding his release.
An aide from his political movement, the People's Front for Freedom (PFF), told the BBC: "We believe he is protesting because he should not still be in prison - he should be home."
Besigye's trial was initially postponed until January - it is now unclear when the court case will begin.
On Sunday, Besigye was rushed to a clinic at Bugolobi Village Mall in critical condition.
Coming together to demand his freedom, Ugandans and Kenyans on X took to call for protests, with the phrase “Free Besigye” trending.
The messages are accompanied by posters showing an emaciated Besigye.
A tweep stated that the continued detention amounted to a “grave attack on the rule of law, judicial independence and fundamental human rights”.
This is especially after the Supreme Court declared the trial of civilians in military courts unconstitutional.
“Driving today to work, I couldn’t help but notice a significant military footprint in the city and around Makerere University to be specific. The regime is afraid of an uprising; Besigye is the spark that ignites our own Arab Spring,” another tweep stated.
“Free Dr kiiza Besigye and all other political prisoners in Uganda,” a tweet read.
“Do what you can within your means. Dr. Besigye, Counsel Kiiza, Bobi Young and all NUP political prisoners need to be released. Professionals join in!’ another read.
“As much as we can say we have human rights and organisation to check on those human rights. AU, EAC, COMESA, SADC, ECOWAS, UN should condemn this act of the government of Uganda. Kizza Besigye should be released immediately,” an X user tweeted.
“Kizza Besigye is a humble leader if you ever get the chance to talk to him, He advocates for democracy, good governance and human rights! Political rivalry is not enmity. Free Kizza Besigye.”
Winnie Byanyima’s family told the media that they had received an unexpected request to bring Besigye's personal doctor to visit him in detention.
“This coming after authorities had repeatedly denied him access to his own doctor is worrying. We fear that this sudden change signals a sudden change in his condition,” Edith Byanyima said.
“We are forced to speak out now because we believe the worst may be imminent.”
