Besigye sues Gen. Muhoozi over alleged death threats ahead of treason trial

Remanded opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye has initiated legal action against the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in the High Court. Besigye alleges that Gen. Muhoozi has made repeated public threats to end his life, particularly around Heroes Day, a claim the opposition leader argues compromises his right to a fair treason trial.

In his application, Dr. Besigye points to several posts allegedly made by Gen. Muhoozi on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) since Besigye’s arrest in Nairobi in November 2024. These posts reportedly include statements like “We will hang KB on Heroes’ Day. That’s the best day for him to die” and “Besigye wanted to kill Mzee, so as far as we are concerned, UPDF… he is a dead man walking.”

Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential contender currently held in Luzira prison, is also challenging statements characterizing him as a “criminal.” He contends that these “adverse and prejudicial public statements threatening death, violence, torture and execution” by a high-ranking military official undermine the impartiality of the court proceedings.

The lawsuit also names UPDF officers Col. Peter Ahibisibwe and Lt. Col. Ephraim Byaruhanga, whom Besigye accuses of participating in his alleged abduction from Nairobi and subsequent transport to Uganda without legal extradition processes. Besigye asserts that his prolonged detention and subsequent charges violate fundamental human rights, including the right to liberty and a fair trial.

The case was filed just before Uganda observed Heroes Day on June 9, a national holiday honoring those who sacrificed for the country’s liberation. Dr. Besigye’s treason trial is scheduled to commence soon, with the Director of Public Prosecutions expected to present its first witness.