A coalition of Kenyan and Ugandan activists has accused the Kenyan government of contributing to the plight of detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, whose health has deteriorated while he faces treason charges in Uganda.
The activists say Kenya should account for Besigye’s transfer to Uganda after he was seized in Nairobi in November 2024. They are demanding an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his rendition and have called for his release and access to specialized medical treatment.
Besigye, a former personal physician to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, has been a prominent opposition figure for more than two decades. He was abducted while visiting Kenya and later appeared before a military court in Kampala, where he was charged alongside opposition member Haji Obeid Lutale.
The activists argue that the transfer bypassed Kenya’s extradition procedures, which they say require a lawful request, an arrest warrant, judicial proceedings and an opportunity for the person facing extradition to challenge the process.
Kenya’s then-Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi acknowledged in 2025 that Kenya had “cooperated with the Ugandan authorities” in Besigye’s transfer. The activists say the admission warrants further investigation into the role of Kenyan officials and security agencies.
Hussein Khalid, chief executive of Kenyan rights organization Vocal Africa, said those responsible for the operation should be held accountable and called for an investigation to determine who requested, authorized, facilitated and concealed the transfer.
The campaign has gained urgency because of Besigye’s deteriorating health. He collapsed during a court hearing in Kampala on July 29, 2026, and was admitted to intensive care. His wife, Winnie Byanyima, has said he was later returned to prison against medical advice.
Besigye has since required additional medical attention. Activists and his family are calling for specialized treatment outside Uganda, while his legal proceedings continue.
The case has also raised concerns about the treatment of members of Besigye’s legal team. Human Rights Watch has reported the detention of Ugandan lawyer Elias Lukwago, who represents Besigye, while Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua, a member of Besigye’s defense team, was detained at Entebbe International Airport and deported to Kenya in June.
Human rights organizations have criticized the handling of Besigye’s detention. Amnesty International has said his abduction and transfer from Kenya violated international human rights standards and called for his release and access to appropriate medical care.
The activists plan demonstrations in Nairobi on Sept. 3, targeting government institutions responsible for foreign and internal affairs. Their demands include Besigye’s release, medical evacuation, reparations and an independent investigation into his transfer to Uganda.
Besigye and his co-accused deny the allegations against them. The case remains before Uganda’s High Court.
The controversy has placed renewed attention on cross-border security cooperation in East Africa and the legal safeguards governing the transfer of individuals between countries. Rights groups say governments must ensure that security cooperation does not circumvent due process or undermine protections guaranteed under domestic and international law.
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