The Commonwealth has expressed deep concern over the continued detention of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, and other detainees including Haji Obeid Lutale and Lawyer Eron Kiiza.
A statement by Secretary-General Patricia Scotland termed the detention as a violation of Uganda's Supreme Court ruling and a threat to the principles of democracy and human rights.
A Supreme Court ruling on January 31, ruled that the trial of civilians before military courts in criminal cases is unconstitutional, and such cases should be transferred to ordinary courts, but that has since been ignored.
“We call for the immediate release of those who have been improperly detained. Along with the international community, we will continue to monitor the situation,” Scotland said.
Scotland raised alarm over reports regarding Besigye’s health and urged the Ugandan authorities to ensure he receives the best possible medical care.
Besigye has been on a hunger strike for six days, his health deteriorating leading to hospitalization at some point.
Their continued detention has raised serious questions about Uganda’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, key tenets of the shared Commonwealth Charter and values.
“We are therefore saddened and deeply troubled by the continued detention of Kizza Besigye, Haji Obeid Lutale and Eron Kiiza, which undermines the ruling of the Supreme Court of Uganda on January 31, 2025, and the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law,” Scotland said.
The Secretary-General reiterated calls for the immediate release of those detained improperly, emphasising that the international community would continue to monitor the situation closely.
Scotland also offered the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat to help Uganda work toward a peaceful resolution that protects the constitutional sovereignty of the country.
"The Commonwealth has always had a relationship based on trust with Uganda," she said.
"We look forward to the return of a more inclusive and
democratic political environment aligned with the Commonwealth Charter."
With tensions rising around the detained leaders, the
Commonwealth’s intervention signals ongoing international pressure on Uganda to
uphold human rights and the principles of justice, as the world watches the
unfolding events.
