PFF Launches New Protests for Besigye's Release

The opposition group People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has unveiled a series of peaceful demonstrations aimed at securing the release of Dr. Kizza Besigye and other political detainees. A key element of the campaign involves urging Ugandans to wear national colors – red, yellow, and black – every Wednesday as a symbol of solidarity.

During a press conference, PFF leaders, including Dr. Michael Lulume Bayigga and Dr. Nicholas Kamara, emphasized the need for Besigye’s release on medical bail. They expressed grave concerns about his reported health condition, questioning his ability to participate effectively in ongoing treason proceedings. The party highlighted that information from Besigye’s wife suggests he is experiencing cognitive difficulties, impacting his speech and memory, and potentially rendering him unfit to stand trial.

The PFF is also initiating a nationwide prayer campaign, assigning specific days for different faith communities to pray for Besigye and other political prisoners. Muslims are encouraged to pray on Fridays, Seventh-day Adventists on Saturdays, and other Christian denominations on Sundays, seeking divine protection and their swift release.

Beyond calls for Besigye’s freedom, the PFF has demanded that Justice Emmanuel Baguma recuse himself from Besigye’s case. The party cited concerns over the judge’s handling of Besigye’s previous medical emergency and alleged interference with the accused’s right to choose legal representation. They are urging the Judicial Service Commission to investigate these allegations and have appealed to the Chief Justice for intervention.

Dr. Kamara, a medical professional, further questioned the sequence of medical decisions and treatments Besigye received after his collapse in court, calling for transparency and an explanation of who authorized these actions. The party asserts that denying bail multiple times, as in Besigye’s case, amounts to pre-trial punishment and undermines the presumption of innocence.

The PFF stated that these new protest actions will continue until their demands for the release of Besigye and other political prisoners are met, maintaining a commitment to peaceful methods.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)